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OBSERVANCE 

OF THE 

CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY 



OF THE BIRTH OF 



February Twelfth, 1909 



Under the inspiration of tlie 
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC 



r|r 



PRIVATELY PRINTED BY THE 

NATIONAL COMMITTEE, G. A. R. 

Matter arranged by Wilbur F. Brown 
Secretary of the Committee 






Ufl€diftia«« 



Copyright, igio, by 
JOHN E. OILMAN 

COMMANDER IN CHIEF GRAND ARMY OF THE KEPL'BLIC, AND HIS SUCCESSORS 



Press of J. J. Little & Ives Co. 
New York 



CCI.A28023'^ 



Heroic soul, in homely garb half hid, 

Sincere, sagacious, melancholy, quaint, 
What he endured no less than what he did, 

Has raised his monument and crowned him saint. 

J. T. Trowbridge. 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE 



RESOLUTION 

offered by Comrade J. Payson Bradley, Past Commander De- 
partment of Massachusetts, at the 41st National Encampment, 
held at Saratoga, New York, September, 1907 : 

I merely want to present a motion here, which I think every man 
in this Encampment will agree to. In two minutes I can say what I 
want to and you will see what it is and when you see what it is, I 
think you will agree to it. 

No man in the history of our country stands closer to the Grand 
Army of the Republic and the people of these United States than our 
great president, Abraham Lincoln. We are now approaching the hun- 
dredth Anniversary of his birth and it seems to me as we are passing out, 
the Grand Army of the Republic could not do anything better than to 
bring to the attention of this Nation, with its hundreds of thousands of 
emigrants coming in from foreign lands, the character of Abraham 
Lincoln. 

I might speak at length on this, but I will not take your time. I 
move that a Committee of one Comrade from each Department be 
appointed to take into consideration the fitting celebration by the Grand 
Army of the Republic of the one hundredth Anniversary of the birth 
of Abraham Lincoln, our beloved Commander-in-Chief, during the War 
for the Union from 1861 to 1865, and that this Committee report at 
the next annual Encampment. 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS 

The Committee on Resolutions recommended the adoption 
of the motion, and the recommendation was concurred in, to wit : 

That a Committee of one Comrade from each Department be ap- 
pointed to take into consideration the fitting celebration by the Grand 
Army of the Republic of the looth Anniversary of the birth of Abra- 



lo Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

ham Lincoln, our beloved Commander-in-Chief, during the war for the 
Union, from 1861 to 1865, and that this Committee report at the next 
National Encampment. 

Toledo, Ohio, September 3, 1908. 

To THE 42ND Encampment of the Grand Army of the 
Republic : 

Your Committee appointed by the Commander-in-Chief, in 
accordance with a resolution adopted at the Saratoga Encamp- 
ment, to take into consideration the fitting celebration of the 
looth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln by the 
Grand Army of the Republic, submit the following report : 

The event to be celebrated is one of transcendent importance 
and the Anniversary should be made one of the greatest days in 
American history. To be successful and worthy of the occa- 
sion, it should be participated in by all the people, North, South, 
East and West, without regard to race, condition or outward 
estate, and the spirit, universality and appropriateness of the 
celebration should count for more than any novelty in the 
method. 

The Grand Army of the Republic cannot adequately enter 
into demonstration of the great event, but it can most appropri- 
ately lead in its observance, and by suggestion and example 
stimulate the people to pay their grateful tribute to the memory 
of our first Commander-in-Chief, and to make suitable acknowl- 
edgment to the God of nations for the gift of one so great and 
good that the lapse of years increases rather than diminishes 
the glory of his character and makes more manifest the saving 
power of his world-wide achievements for mankind. 

Your Committee assumes that the National Government will 
adopt suitable measures for the observance of the day, and that 
State Legislatures, Governors and Municipal Officers will take 
appropriate action to bring to the minds of the people the great 
lessons growing out of his life and that all institutions of learn- 
ing throughout the land will celebrate the notable event, so that 
the deep embedment of Abraham Lincoln in the thought and 
conscience of his contemporaries may be fastened with trans- 
forming power upon the minds of the youth of our country. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln II 

But underneath and above and around it all and as an additional 
inspiration should glow the love and veneration of the survivors 
of that great host vi^ho at his call offered their lives that a " gov- 
ernment of the people, by the people, and for the people, should 
not perish from the earth." The part that the Grand Army of 
the Republic should take in such observance has given your 
Committee no little perplexity. 

As an organization we are rapidly decreasing in numbers and 
our membership is widely scattered. Some of the departments, 
as well as many of the posts, are weak numerically and finan- 
cially poor, so that any plan involving expense or the imposition 
of physical burdens upon those not well able to bear them seems 
to your Committee unadvisable ; nevertheless it is important that 
all our comrades should have an opportunity to participate in 
some simple yet direct way in the observance of the Anniversary, 
and that in every case the exercises so held should be con- 
ducted in a dignified and becoming manner. 

Your Committee, therefore, recommends : 

1st. That the Commander-in-Chief appoint a committee of 
five to prepare a program or order of exercises for the use of 
posts on that occasion. That said program shall include brief 
extracts from the writing and speeches of Abraham Lincoln, 
including his Gettysburg address and a short sketch of his life. 

2nd. That so far as practicable, in towns and cities where 
there are two or more posts, they unite in observance of the 
day; and in the rural districts that the celebration be held at 
the respective county seats. 

3rd. That the exercises be public and held at such hour of 
the day or evening as may be most convenient for the comrades 
to attend. 

4th. That all meetings be opened with prayer and if possible 
a qualified person chosen to deliver an address on the life, char- 
acter and services of Abraham Lincoln, and a copy of such 
address forwarded to the National Headquarters of the Grand 
Army for preservation, to the end that the same or extracts 
therefrom may at some future time, if deemed advisable, be 
published in book form. 

5th. Your Committee would further recommend that a badge 



12 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

with a picture of Lincoln and the date of his birth and of the 
celebration inscribed thereon be prepared and furnished by the 
Quarter Master General upon requisitions made in the usual 
manner, such badges to be furnished to the comrades at cost 
and preserved by them as a souvenir of the Anniversary. 

6th. Your Committee further recommends that the program 
of service be distributed with a General Order promulgating it 
from the Commander-in-Chief, and that the reading of said 
Order be made a part of such program. 

Your Committee cannot refrain from expressing the belief 
that the main furrow turned on that memorable occasion will 
be by the children supplemented by the teachers of the religion 
of our fathers, and we therefore recommend that patriotic exer- 
cises be held on that day in all the schools of the land and that 
on the Sabbath following the clergy make due mention of the 
event and draw such lessons as they may deem appropriate 
from the life of this God-given man. 

Your Committee has had but one meeting, at which only four 
of its members were present including the Chairman, and in 
submitting this report it is impossible to more than outline a 
plan for the celebration of the Anniversary, but it is respectfully 
submitted in the belief that all details can be perfected by the 
Commander-in-Chief and the committee on programs, without 
difficulty and with little financial expense. 
Fraternally yours, 

Ell Torrance, 

Chairman. 
Charles O. Smith, 

Patriotic Insirnctor Dept. of Penn. 
Charles S. Parker, 

Patriotic Instructor Dept. of Mass. 
Levi Longfellow, 

Patriotic Instructor Dept. of Minn. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 13 



EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS NO 3 

November 9, 1908. 

VI. Abraham Lincoln's Birthday. — Pursuant to a resolution of the 
of the Forty-Second National Encampment, the following comrades were 
appointed upon a committee to formulate a plan or program for the 
observance of the one hundredth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham 
Lincoln : 

Comrade Allan C. Bakewell, Chairman, of New York City; 
Comrade J. Payson Bradley, of Boston, Mass.; 

* Comrade Wilbur F. Brown, of New York City; 

t Comrade St. Clair A. Mulholland, of Philadelphia, Pa.; 
Comrade Heman W. Allen, of Burlington, Vt. 

Headquarters, 
Grand Army of the Republic 

Red Bank, New Jersey, Nov. 9, 1908. 

Report of Committee on Plan for Observance of the One Hundredth 
Anniversary of the Birth of Abraham Lincoln. 

Department Commanders: Pursuant to the recommendation of the 
committee authorized by the 41st National Encampment, Grand Army of 
the Republic, and appointed " to take into consideration the fitting cele- 
bration of the looth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln," 
which was made a report to the 42nd National Encampment that was 
unanimously adopted, the undersigned, who had been appointed a com- 
mittee to prepare a program for the occasion, met in New York City, 
October 19, 1908, and submit the following as the result of their de- 
liberations : 

1. That the Commander-in-Chief be requested to invite the President 
of the United States, Governors of States and Territories and Mayors of 
cities, to participate with the Grand Army of the Republic in public 
recognition of the Centennial Anniversary of the birthday of Abraham 
Lincoln, February 12, 1909, and by proclamation as far as practical, 
recommend that the day be observed as a special holiday. 

2. That the Commander of each Department shall appoint immedi- 
ately a committee to arrange for the celebration in his Department ac- 
cording to the following program. 

3. That the Department Committee shall be announced in Department 

* Chosen Secretary by the Committee, October igth, 1908. 
t Deceased, February 17, 1910. 



14 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

General Orders, with an outline of the method proposed herein for 
adoption, to wit: 

(a). That every Post shall recognize the day in some fitting manner, 
either in special meeting, or in attendance as a body where a public 
celebration is held. 

(b). That in cities or towns where there are more than one Post, 
there shall be a united observance, where it is practicable, embracing all 
the Posts, which shall be public. 

(c). That in the rural districts the exercises shall be held at the 
county seat, to which all Posts may send delegates without limit, or at 
such other places as the Posts shall designate for their convenience. 

(d). That the co-operation of the Woman's Relief Corps, Ladies of 
the G. A. R., Sons and Daughters of Veterans, and all other patriotic 
societies be invited to participate in all functions arranged for this 
occasion. 

(e). That all departments of education controlling colleges, universi- 
ties, and public, parochial or private schools be requested to arrange 
for recognition of the day with appropriate and special exercises, and 
we recommend the following program: 

1. Keller's American Hymn. 

"SPEED OUR REPUBLIC" 
{Words and Music by M. Keller) 

1. Speed our republic, O Father on high ! 
Lead us in pathways of justice and right; 
Rulers as well as the ruled, " One and all," 
Girdle with virtue the armor of might ! 

Hail! three times hail to our country and flag! 

2. Foremost in battle for Freedom to stand. 
We rush to arms when aroused by its call; 
Still as of yore, when George Washington led, 
Thunders our war cry: we conquer or fall! 

Hail, etc. 

3. Faithful and honest to friend and to foe — 
Willing to die in humanity's cause, 

Thus we defy all tyrannical pow'r, 
While we contend for our Union and laws I 
Hail, etc. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 15 

4. Rise up, proud eagle, rise up to the clouds, 

Spread thy broad wings o'er this fair western world ! 
Fling from thy beak our dear banner of old — 
Show that it still is for freedom unfurl'd ! 
Hail, etc. 

2. Invocation. 

"Almighty Father: Humbly we bow before Thee, our Creator, 
Guide and Preserver. We thank Thee for what faith makes real to 
us; Thine almighty power that created the heavens and the earth 
and all things that are therein; the boundless love that environs Thy 
children and moves them reverently to say ' Our Father.' We 
thank Thee for the noble men under whose leadership this fair 
land was dedicated to freedom of thought, expression and action ; 
to their successors who have given themselves to solving grave 
problems arising from changing conditions. At this hour we would 
specially thank Thee, that in the time of the country's dire peril a 
man was sent of Thee equal to the emergency. We pray, our 
Father, that these evidences of Thy love and goodness and these 
examples of noble living and noble doing, may inspire us all to at- 
tempt to live unselfishly, and to do our duty as far as in us lies 
according to the precepts of Thy Holy Word, and to Thee we give 
all the honor and praise, now and forever more. Amen." 

3. "Battle Hymn of the Republic," 

(Solo with Chorus). 

4. Sketch of Abraham Lincoln, 

(Not over 500 words). 

5. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, 

6. Centennial Hymn (J. G. Whittier), 

Our fathers' God, from out whose hand 
The centuries fall like grains of sand. 
We meet to-day, united, free. 
And loyal to our land and Thee, 
To thank Thee for the era done. 
And trust thee for the opening one. 
******* 
Oh ! make Thou us through centuries long. 
In Peace secure, in Justice strong; 
Around our Gift of Freedom, draw 
The safeguards of Thy righteous law; 
And, cast in some diviner mould, 
Let the new cycle shame the old. 



1 6 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

7. Extracts and Quotations from the Writings and Speeches of 

Lincoln, 

(By Selected Pupils). 

8. " Star Spangled Banner," By Audience 

9. Address (Life and Character of Lincoln) 

10. " America," By Audience 

11. Benediction, 

(f). That the clergy are requested to have special services in their 
churches, synagogues and Sabbath schools on the Sabbath preceding 
February 12th. 

And this committee recommends and urges that every comrade shall 
have personal notice of the forthcoming observance; be furnished with 
the Order of Exercises herewith issued, and fully informed of the pur- 
pose to issue at cost from National Headquarters upon requisition of 
the Department Quartermaster, a Souvenir Medal, suitably inscribed, 
that will be a welcome heirloom token of the patriotism of the comrade 
who served in the Union Army or Navy during the Civil War under 
the direction of its Commander-in-Chief, Abraham Lincoln. 

And it is further urged, without waiting for more definite details, 
that immediate steps be taken to carry out the program, that it may 
be complete, and its example a stimulation for a general recognition of 
the day. 

And it is recommended that the following program be the Order 
of Exercises for all Assemblies (except as provided for schools). 

1. Music (Instrumental), 

2. Invocation (Same as recommended for schools), 

3. " America," By the Audience 

4. Vocal Music (Solo or Glee Club), 

5. Address (Life and Character of Lincoln) 

6. " Star Spangled Banner," .... By the Audience 

7. Gettysburg Address, 



Himoln'sJ #ettj>s(burs ^bbresisi 






OUR score and seoen years ago our fathers 
^r^^ brought forth on this continent a mvo 
"' '^ nation, conceioed in liberty, and dedicated 
to the proposition that all men are cre- 
ated equal. Row we are engaged in a great cioil war, 
testing u^hether that nation, or any nation so con- 
ceioed and so dedicated, can long endure. We are 
met on a great battlefield of that u:ar. We haue come 
to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting 
place for those u^ho here gace their Hoes that that 
nation might lice. It is altogether fitting and proper 
that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we 
cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot 
hallow, this ground. The brace men, lioing and dead, 
who struggled here, haoe consecrated it far aboce our 
poroer to add or detract. The world will little note, 
nor long remember, what we say here; but it can 
neoer forget what they did here. It is for us, the lio- 
ing, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished 
work which they who fought here haoe thus far so 
nobly adoanced. It is rather for us to be here dedi- 
cated to the great task remaining before us — that 
from these honored dead we take increased deootion 
to that cause for which they gaoe the last full meas. 
ure of deootion; that we here highly resoloe that these 
dead shall not haoe died in uain ; that this nation, 
under God, shall haoe a new birth of freedom; and 
that gooernment of the people, by the people, for the 
people, shall not perish from the earth. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 19 

8. " Nearer, My God To Thee," . . . . By the Audience 

9. DoxOLOGY, By the Audience 

10. Benediction, 

Department Commanders are requested to see that this Order is 
promulgated through the Press. 

Allan C. Bakewell, Chairman, ' 

St. Clair A. Mulholland, 

J. Payson Bradley, \. Committee. 

Wilbur F. Brown, Secretary, 

Heman W. Allen, 

Approved : 

Henry M. Nevius, 

Commander-in-Chief, G. A. R. 

Official : 

Frank O. Cole, 

Adjutant General. 



20 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 



DESCRIPTION OF MEDALS 

The grouping of the designs upon the medals of which the 
issue has been limited to eighty-five hundred and copyrighted in 
the name of the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of 
the Republic and his successors in office was arranged by the 
Secretary of the National Committee, Wilbur F. Brown, who 
also composed the inscription on the reverse. The material is 
of solid bronze, three inches in diameter and one-quarter inch 
in thickness. 

J. Edouard Roine, the eminent French sculptor, whose work 
in medallic art has been recognized by medals at Paris and other 
European expositions, was commissioned by the firm of Joseph 
K. Davison's Sons to execute the models from which the dies 
were cut. This artist had made a special study of the head of 
Lincoln, and, working from the life-mask, produced a design 
that has been highly commended on all sides, by Comrades of 
the Grand Army, and by artists of note. 

Jules Edouard Roine was born at Nantes, France, October 
24, 1858, student of L. Morice and Chantron. Won first medal 
at Paris Salon in the year 1900, received the gold medal the fol- 
lowing year ; was named for three consecutive years member of 
Jury of Awards at Paris, France. 

A number of his works have been bought for the following 
Museums: The Luxemburg, National Museum of Berlin, Met- 
ropolitan Museum of New York and Brooklyn Fine Arts, also 
for the American Numismatic Society. 




OBVERSE 




Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 23 



REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LINCOLN CEN- 
TENNIAL TO THE NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT, G. A. R. 

New York, July 6, 1909. 
Frank O. Cole, 

Adjutant General, G. A. R. 

Dear Comrade: In compliance with the recommendation of the Com- 
mittee appointed in pursuance of the resolution approved by the Na- 
tional Encampment held at Saratoga, New York, in the year 1907, 
that " the Commander-in-Chief appoint a Committee of five to pre- 
pare a program or order of exercises, for the use of Posts, etc., etc.," for 
the purpose of uniting in a fitting observance of the looth Anniversary 
of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States, 
and Commander-in-Chief of the Union Army and Navy during the 
Civil War of 1861-5; which recommendations were adopted by the 42nd 
Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic : 

We, the undersigned, who were so signally honored with the ap- 
pointment by Commander-in-Chief Henry M. Nevius, beg leave to make 
the following report : 

On the 6th day of October, 1908, notice of the appointment of this 
Committee was received by Allan C. Bakewell, who was designated 
thereby as Chairman, and the first meeting of the Committee was held 
in New York City, October 19th, following, with all the members 
present, including the Commander-in-Chief, ex officio (excepting one 
whose absence from home prevented) and the plan set forth in the 
Circular of November 9th to Department Commanders was adopted. 

At the time of issuing the program suggested by the Committee there 
had not come under the observation of the Committee from any section 
of the country, a single well-defined or fully developed plan by any 
organization or municipality for the celebration of the important oc- 
casion adequate for a general or enthusiastic demonstration expressive 
of the regard held by the American people in memory of the dis- 
tinguished character and services of so great a man as Abraham Lin- 
coln, and this Committee could but feel, with some misgiving of its 
ability, that its program, so largely initiative, must be inspiring and 
impressive. 

The trend of the direction in some quarters, where the scope of the 
proposed observance was a subject of conference, seemed to be en- 
tirely towards exercises in schools without any apparent effort for 
creating a broad and universal public demonstration and this was 



24 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

deemed insufficient in the deliberations of the Grand Army Committee. 
It was an established custom of school curriculum to annually recog- 
nize this notable birthday with a special order of exercises and should 
no more be done as a Centennial recognition the occasion would pass 
without any greater emphasis of the nobility and grandeur of the char- 
acter of our martyred President than the customary lessons of patriot- 
ism instituted by the yearly school exercise of February 12th that had 
been established long ago through the influence of the Grand Army. 

It is gratifying, therefore, to report that the plan proved to be so 
wonderfully successful, inaugurated as it was by the Grand Army of 
the Republic and promulgated in detail as the best this Committee 
could devise, which embodied a dignified expression of esteem and 
reverence, void of a pageant display, eminently and fittingly consistent 
with the character of the exalted man, whose memory holds the " love 
and veneration " of the survivors of a legion of patriots, as well as of 
the generations of later days. 

It is not the purpose of this report to lay before the National En- 
campment a history of the general observance of the day which was 
universal in the broadest adaptation of the term. This Committee has 
other means in view to illuminate the wealth of thought that this occa- 
sion brought forth, or to measure the extent of the influence for good 
that it produced. Suffice it to say that in every corner of this great land, 
no matter how remote or obscure, and in all the provinces, as well as in 
American Communities in foreign countries — not forgetting the Canal 
Zone of Panama, where a Lincoln League was formed, or imperious 
England with its critical Press — glowing tributes of a national and 
private nature were set in brilliant characters with consummate skill 
and perfect production to exemplify the possible attainment of earnest 
and honest endeavor under the " government of the people, by the 
people, and for the people." 

From every quarter, at home and abroad, this Committee has gath- 
ered material for preservation. Proclamations, Resolutions, Orations, 
Original Poems, Illustrations, etc., etc., proclaiming the result that the 
inspiration of the Grand Army of the Republic had kindled anew the 
patriotism of the people, and joining in one common fellowship all 
bodies, civic, military, religious and political of the nation, gave grace- 
ful tribute to him who called us forth to defend the flag. From these 
may be produced a Souvenir Brochure that will illustrate for centuries 
to come the noble achievements of the G. A. R. and take our deeds 
and purposes along unmeasured lines of posterity and bring the flush 
of pride to our children, and theirs, for generations to follow: and 
this Committee recommends that it be continued in character until 
this shall be accomplished. 

This Committee also reports that as part of its duties it concluded, in 
view of the extensive recognition of the Centennial Day, its Grand 



Centennial Birthday of AbraJiam Lincoln 25 

Army connection should be uniquely preserved through a Medal of 
Bronze, ideal in character and enduring in nature, that it might also 
be treasured as an heirloom of patriotism, or certificate of courage, and 
be as rich in sentiment and artistic in design as the celebration of the 
day was universal and sublime. This medal has been widely dis- 
tributed, yet the demand appears to grow apace with the supply, though 
several thousand have been delivered. 

At no time have the Grand Army funds been responsible for any 
outlay by this Committee, and its plans for publishing the Souvenir 
have been made without involving the treasury. 

The appreciation of this Committee should be expressed to the Com- 
mander-in-Chief for the confidence he has bestowed and the support 
his approval of all matters contemplated and accomplished has given, 
and to yourself much is due for courteous assistance. To all Com- 
rades, the Committee send fraternal messages freighted with sincere 
regard, and with warm congratulations that our beloved Order has 
moved on still higher in the estimation of the world through its testi- 
mony of regard, so generous and complete, for the virtues and attain- 
ments of the immortal Lincoln, our Commander-in-Chief. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Allan C. Bakewell, Dept. of N. Y., Chairman. 
St. Clair A. Mulholland, Dept. of Penn. 
J. Payson Bradley, Dept. of Mass. 
Heman W. Allen, Dept. of Vermont. 
Wilbur F. Brown, Dept. of N. Y., Secretary. 



26 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 



REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LINCOLN 
CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY 

August 22, 1910. 
George O. Eddy, 

Adjutant General, G. A. R., 

Dear Sir and Comrade: Pursuant to the recommendation of Com- 
mander-in-Chief Nevius in his address to the 43rd National Encamp- 
ment, which met with the approval of the Encampment, the Commit- 
tee having charge of the construction and disposition of the Lincoln 
Souvenir Medals, heretofore described, has continued its service ac- 
cording to the several announcements of its plans in National General 
Orders. 

It has not been the purpose of this Committee to extend the time 
for distributing the medals to the present, but as it from time to time 
gave consideration of the date for closing the opportunity for sub- 
scribing, there appeared to be a continuing demand, therefore the con- 
clusion was reached that the privilege of obtaining the Medals, so 
highly approved and generously commended, should not be denied to 
comrades until final notice of the opportunity should be as widely an- 
nounced as possible through General Orders, and the date of closing 
the matter fixed far enough in advance to avoid disappointment. 

With this object in view it was ultimately decided that an appro- 
priate time for final distribution would be at the National Encamp- 
ment to be held at Atlantic City, and arrangements have been ac- 
cordingly made to this end and proper notices will be posted at the 
Encampment. 

It will be remembered that the Executive Committee of the National 
Council of Administration gave consideration to the matter of con- 
tracting for the medals and of disposing of them to comrades, and de- 
cided not to involve the funds of the Grand Army should the venture 
prove to be unsuccessful, thereby declining to entertain any responsi- 
bility of this nature or assume such a liability; and that, with the ap- 
proval of the Commander-in-Chief, this Committee assumed the re- 
sponsibility as a personal one, and proceeded without involving the 
treasury of the Order in any way. 

The risk was not inconsiderable (involving several hundred dol- 
lars), but the venture proved successful and it is assumed that it will 
be gratifying to Comrades at large to receive the announcement that 
not only has no loss accrued, but instead thereof, there is now on 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 27 

hand, after paying all expenses, over nine hundred dollars to be dis- 
posed of as this Committee may be finally advised. 

It is impossible to now fully report the final amount of the net pro- 
ceeds obtained for the benefit of the Grand Army, because it cannot be 
predetermined what the result will be at the close of the National En- 
campment when the sales will practically terminate and possibly in- 
crease the present net result. 

And now we come to the Encampment for its final direction. Un- 
less otherwise instructed the Committee will receive from the makers 
of the Medals the dies that have been used and cause their destruction, 
and no more medals will be distributed by sale or otherwise except to 
dispose of any surplus remaining at the close of the 44th National En- 
campment, also that the Contract or Agreement of the manufacture 
not to make, sell or dispose of any medals to any person whomsoever, 
of which the following is the copy: 

" We fully understand that if we make up a number of 
these medals, it is at our own risk and that your Committee 
will be in no way responsible. Regarding the future manu- 
facture of the medals, will state that as heretofore, these 
medals can only be sold through your Committee," 

shall be deposited with the Custodian of Records at Philadelphia foi 
safe-keeping, and it is hereby recommended that notice be given through 
General Orders, that the copyright of the medal in the name of Henry 
M. Nevius, Commander-in-Chief Grand Army of the Republic, and his 
successors, has been filed with the Librarian of Congress at Wash- 
ington. 

Attention is called to the following extract from the report of this 
Committee to the 43rd National Encampment: 

" We have other means in view to illuminate the wealth of thought 
that this occasion (the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of 
the birth of Lincoln) brought forth, or to measure the extent of the 
influence for good that it produced. Suffice it to say, that in every 
corner of this great land, no matter how remote or obscure, and in 
all the provinces, as well as in American communities in foreign 
countries — not forgetting the Canal Zone of Panama, where a Lincoln 
League was formed, or imperious England with its critical press — glow- 
ing tributes of a National and private nature were set in brilliant char- 
acters with consummate skill and perfect production to exemplify the 
possible attainment of earnest and honest endeavor under the govern- 
ment of the people, by the people, and for the people. 

" From every quarter, at home and abroad, this Committee has gath- 
ered material for preservation (proclamations, resolutions, orations, 
original poems, illustrations, etc., etc.), proclaiming the result that the 
inspiration of the Grand Army of the Republic had kindled anew the 



28 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

patriotism of the people and joining in one common fellowship all 
bodies (civic, military, religious and political) of the nation, gave 
graceful tribute to him who called us forth to defend the flag. From 
these may be produced a souvenir brochure that will illustrate for centu- 
ries to come the noble achievements of the G. A. R. and take our 
deeds and purposes along unmeasured lines of posterity and bring the 
flush of pride to our children, and theirs for generations to follow." 

In view of the foregoing announcement and of that made to the 
43rd National Encampment by the Commander-in-Chief, and of the 
collection of literary material requested in G. O. No. 5, paragraph 
XVI, Series 1909, this Committee begs to report that from the enor- 
mous mass of matter collected there has been culled and preserved the 
choicest gems, and is now prepared to fulfil its promise to create the 
Souvenir Brochure, which it could not complete in advance of the 
knowledge now practically determined of the amount of funds at its 
disposal for the expenses of publication, or decide upon the cost, 
quality or quantity of the production. 

And now the Committee hesitates to proceed without further and 
final consideration and advice of the National Encampment. Is it ad- 
visable for this Committee, in the best interests of the Order, to trans- 
fer to the General Fund of the organization the net proceeds of the 
sale of Medals, made under certain promises and conditions, or pro- 
ceeding according to its promises, publish the brochure and rely upon 
its sale at a nominal price, to gather a reproduction of the funds now 
in hand and thus serve the double purpose of augmenting the funds of 
the treasury and, in keeping its promises, enrich our history with its 
wealth of material gathered from all quarters of the globe, a fitting testi- 
mony of the exalted patriotism and loyalty of the Grand Army, to 
become an historic gem shining in the literary world, an illuminating 
evidence of its unselfish purposes and a tribute to the memory of soldier 
and sailor patriots for the benefit of all mankind. 

Your Committee announces with sincere regret the death of one 
of its members. General St. Clair Mulholland, with whom all relations 
in connection with the services rendered by this Committee, were of 
the most fraternal character and we testify sincerely of his well-trained 
nature and loyal sentiments, both of which have been of invaluable 
service to ourselves and to the Grand Army of the Republic. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Allan C. Bakewell, Chairman. 
Wilbur F. Brown, Secretary. 
J. Payson Bradley. 
Heman W. Allen. 




PORTRAIT OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF NEVIUS 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 31 

Extract from the Address of Commander-in-Chief H. M. Nevius 
to the Forty-third Annual Encampment of the Grand Army 
of the RepubHc at Salt Lake City, Utah, August 12, 1909. 

Pursuant to a resolution of the Forty-Second National Encampment, 
directing that a Committee be appointed to outline a program and 
plan for the proper observance of the One Hundredth Anniversary of 
the birth of Abraham Lincoln, I appointed a Committee — and I call care- 
ful attention to their splendid report — and this Committee, in the proper 
observance of their duties, have labored most earnestly and most ef- 
fectively, without charge to the Grand Army of the Republic. 

In pursuance of the program and recommendations of this Committee, 
I promoted their program and recommendations as a General Order, 
and it was sent to every Post in the Grand Army of the Republic. 

And pursuant to said program, I called upon the President of the 
United States and he cheerfully and gladly caused a joint resolution to 
be offered and passed through the National Congress, calling upon all 
people to properly observe the 12th day of February, 1909, and to 
honor the memory and the One Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of 
our martyred President, Abraham Lincoln. 

In many of our states the day had been declared a national holiday 
by legislative enactments; in others it had not. 

I communicated with the governors of all the states and territories, 
directly and through the commanders of several of the departments, 
asking them to issue a proclamation, calling upon the people of their 
respective states to properly observe the day, and in almost every in- 
stance the governors of the states and territories, and the mayors or 
other governing authorities of the municipalities, cheerfully complied 
with this request. I am glad, indeed, to state that in every part of our 
broad land the day was properly observed, large and enthusiastic meet- 
ings were held, and suitable and appropriate addresses were made. In 
the Southern Departments party ties were forgotten and the Blue and 
the Gray joined in the proper observance of the day. I received re- 
ports from many Departments and from many cities that on the 12th 
day of February, at the same hour of the day, hundreds of thousands of 
school children were honoring our flag and the memory of our martyred 
President, going through with their exercises from the same program. 

The Committee have received and are collecting many addresses and 
poems commemorative of the day, and will in the near future have the 
same in proper shape for distribution, and I recommend that this Com- 
mittee be continued for another year in order that they may complete 
their work and finish the distribution of the Lincoln Medals, and that 
at the next encampment, when their labors shall have been completed, 
a proper resolution embodying the thanks of the Grand Army of the 
Republic be passed. 



32 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 



BY THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF 

AMERICA 

[Public Resolution — No. 42.] 

[H. J. Res. 247.] 

Joint Resolution Relating to the celebration of the one hundredth 
anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln and making the twelfth 
day of February, nineteen hundred and nine, a legal holiday, and for 
other purposes. 

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the twelfth day of 
February, nineteen hundred and nine, the same being the centennial an- 
niversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, be, and the same is hereby, 
made a special legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the Ter- 
ritories of the United States. 

Be it further resolved, That the President be authorized to issue a 
proclamation in accordance with the foregoing, setting apart the twelfth 
day of February, nineteen hundred and nine, as a special legal holiday. 

Approved, February 11, 1909. 



ALABAMA 

From Birmingham News 

The birthday of Abraham Lincoln was celebrated for the first time 
in the history of Birmingham schools, with appropriate exercises in the 
auditorium of the High School, and the day was also observed in the 
Grammar Schools of the district. 

The attendance at the High School was more than a thousand. 

Addresses were made by Capt. Frank P. O'Brien; Edwin D. Meade, 
of Boston, representative of the American Peace Society. 

There was an observance of Lincoln's Birthday at Cable Hall, 
under the auspices of George A. Custer, Post No. i. Grand Army of 
the Republic. 

Extracts from a letter to The Register, Mobile, by George E. 

Cramer. 

" In 1830 Lincoln moved to Illinois, where he became in time a 
rail-splitter, storekeeper, surveyor, flatboat man, soldier, lawyer and 




Born in the travail of revolution. 
Baptized in the blood of patriots. 
Crucified in rebellion. 
Crowned in triumph over tyranny. 

— Wilbur F. Brown. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 35 

finally President of the Nation. During these years of hardship, self- 
denial, poverty, incessant toil and disappointment, was being laid that 
foundation upon which genius raised a personality so magnificent in 
proportion and grand in outline. 

" Lincoln was a many-sided man. He experienced all conditions of 
life. He felt the cruel stings of poverty; he experienced the ecstasy of 
being contented with little. 

" Lincoln was a great orator. His inaugural address and his Get- 
tysburg speech were sublime in thought, divine in prophecy, unequaled 
in dictum, unsurpassed in pathos, matchless in eloquence ; they stand 
as masterpieces in the literature of the ages. He stood all tests; he 
was equal to all responsibilities of his high office, and into the organic 
law of the land he wove the dreams of his childhood. 
, "He was cognizant of his strength; he knew his limitations; he was 
no coward; he bent the hinges of his knees to no man; he kept close 
to the people ; he knew that in the final analysis of all governmental 
affairs the people rule; he reached the highest point in human great- 
ness, and in his love for mankind he reached the divine." 

Extract from the Address of Past Department Commander, 
G. A. R., W. W. Campbell. 

"Abraham Lincoln had sublime faith in the people. He walked with 
them and among them and was one of them. 

" But the Lincoln whom we knew, honored and loved, was the 
' Father Abraham ' of '61 to '65. It was then that our comrades knew 
him best, and learned to rely on his rugged honesty — his great love for 
our country — and his high appreciation of the lowest and most ob- 
scure soldier, who, at the front or in the hospital, was suffering the 
hardships of war to the end that the unity of our government should 
be preserved. 

" He was the loftiest example of all times of the manly virtues : 
truth, honesty, sincerity, pluck, sympathy, loyalty, devotion to duty and 
common sense. 

" In the words of Henry Watterson : ' Born as lowly as the Son of 
God, reared in penury and squalor, with no gleam of light nor fair 
surroundings, it was reserved for this strange being, late in life, without 
name or fame, or seeming preparation, to be snatched from obscurity, 
raised to supreme command at a supreme moment and intrusted with 
the destiny of a nation. Where did Shakespeare get his genius ? Where 
did Mozart get his music? Whose hand smote the lyre of the Scottish 
plowman and staid the life of the German priest? God alone, and as 
surely as these were raised by God was Abraham Lincoln; and a thou- 
sand years hence no story, no tragedy, no epic poem will be filled with 
greater wonder than that which tells of his life and death. If Lincoln 



36 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

was not inspired of God, then there is no such thing on earth as 
special providence or the interposition of Divine power in the affairs of 
men." 

ARIZONA 

CHAPTER I 

An act making the One Hundredth Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's 

birthday a holiday. 

Be it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Arizona: 
Section i. That in order that the people of Arizona may in ap- 
propriate manner commemorate the one hundredth Anniversary of the 
birthday of Abraham Lincoln, it is hereby enacted that said anniversary, 
to wit: Friday, the twelfth day of February, 1909, shall be observed 
throughout the Territory of Arizona as a legal holiday. 

Section 2. This act shall take efifect and be in force from and 
after its passage. 

[Approved January 22, 1909.] 



ARKANSAS 

Extracts from an Address by Rev. W. S. Fitch before W. T. 
Sherman Post, G. A. R., at Judsonia, Ark. 

In many respects Lincoln was one of the most remarkable men who 
ever appeared in the history of the Republic. His life abounded in 
surprises. Elements apparently antagonistic entered into his character. 
He was at once a simple citizen and a sagacious statesman. 

The great and good Abraham Lincoln, savior of his country, friend 
of humanity, friend and liberator of a race of slaves, was preemi- 
nently The Soldier's Friend. He, reminding us of Hezekiah, King of 
Judah, of whom it is written : " He set captains of war over the people, 
and gathered them together . . . and spake comfortably to them." 

Lincoln's friendship for the soldiers was founded on patriotism. 

His friendship for the soldiers was practically demonstrated. 

His friendship for the soldiers was based upon principles of justice. 

His friendship for the soldiers was born of humane sentiments. 

His friendship for the soldiers was ruled by moral and religious 
principle. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 37 



CALIFORNIA 

CHAPTER 4 

An act declaring Friday, February twelfth, ipop, the looth birthday of 
Abraham Lincoln, a legal holiday and providing for a half day session 
of the public schools for that day. 

[Approved January 20, 1909.] 

The people of the State of California, represented in senate and 

assembly, do enact as follows: 

Section i. Friday, February twelfth, 1909, the looth Anniversary of 
the birth of Abraham Lincoln, is hereby declared a legal holiday, pro- 
vided, however, that all public schools throughout the state shall hold 
sessions in the forenoon of the day in order to allow the customary 
exercises in memory of the martyred president. 

Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately. 

CHAPTER 527 

An act declaring February 12th, the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, a 
legal holiday and providing for a half-day session in the public schools 
on such holiday, and for certain exercises in the public schools. 
[Approved April 13, 1909.] 

The people of the State of California, represented in senate and as- 
sembly, do enact as follows: 

Section i. February 12th, the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, is 
hereby declared a legal holiday, provided, however, that all the public 
schools throughout the state shall hold sessions in the forenoon of that 
day in order to allow the customary exercises in memory of Lincoln; 
and provided further, that when February 12th falls on Sunday, then 
Monday following shall be a legal holiday and shall be so observed; 
and provided still further, that when February 12th falls on Saturday 
such exercises in the public schools shall take place on the Friday after- 
noon preceding. 

COLORADO 

proclamation: 

Whereas, Abraham Lincoln as a boy was an inspiration to the youth 
of his own time, and has been a lasting inspiration and boyhood idol 
for every great man this country has produced for fifty years, who, 
though cradled in poverty, schooled in adversity, and tried in the school 



38 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

of experience, became and was the greatest man of his time, and as 
a scholar, statesman, executive and broad-minded humanitarian, was 
faithful to every trust reposed in him, either in public or private life; 
and 

Whereas, Freedom received from him inspiration for the greatest 
principle of equal rights for all men; and, 

Whereas, We, as a people, believe that the rights of all men all the 
time are superior to the wishes of the few, and that the man who 
sounded the keynote for greater liberty for all people, should be hon- 
ored for his own sake, and for the sake of the lessons he taught, and 
that it is fitting and proper that we should pause upon this the one 
hundredth Anniversary of his birth and reflect upon his great achieve- 
ments and his country's greatness, because of his counsel and assist- 
ance. 

Therefore, I, John F. Shafroth, Governor of the State of Colorado, 
do hereby set apart Friday, the Twelfth day of February, in this year 
of our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and Nine, to be observed 
by the people of this Commonwealth as a day sacred to the memory of 
Abraham Lincoln, and that all State offices shall observe that day as 
a holiday on which no public business shall be transacted, and I com- 
mend to the citizens of this Commonwealth a like observance. 

Given under my hand and the official seal of the State of Colorado, 
this 30th day of January, A.D. Nineteen Hundred and Nine. 

By order of 

John F. Shafroth, 

Governor State of Colorado. 
ATTEST : 
James B. Pearse, 
Secretary of State, 
(seal) By Thomas F. Dillon, Deputy. 

Extracts from an Address by Chaplain John L. Boyd. 

Lincoln left a brief sketch of his life, written by himself, part of 
•which, pertaining to his youth, I quote: 

" I was born February 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Ky. My parents 
were both born in Virginia, of undistinguished families, — second 
families, perhaps I should say. My mother, who died in my tenth 
year, was a family of the name of Hanks. My paternal grandfather, 
Abraham Lincoln, emigrated from Rockingham, Va., to Kentucky, 
about 1781 or 1782, where a year or two later he was killed by Indians, 
not in battle, but by stealth, when he was laboring to open a farm in 
the forest. His ancestors were Quakers. My father at the death of 
his father was about six years of age and grew up without any edu- 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 39 

cation. He removed from Kentucky to what is now Spencer, Indiana, in 
my eighth year. There I grew up. It was a wild region. There was 
nothing to excite ambition or education. " Readin, writin, cipherin," 
to the rule of three, was all that was required of a teacher. I have not 
been to school since. I am six feet four, inches nearly, lean in flesh 
and weighing on an average 180 pounds, dark complexion, coarse 
black hair and grey eyes. No other marks recollected." 

Eighteen months after his mother died, October 15, 1818, he was 
blessed with an exceptional good step-mother, formerly a Mrs. Johns- 
ton, an old neighbor in Kentucky, who was a former sweetheart of 
his father. Her heart went out to the young " Abe " with loving solici- 
tude for his future good. To look at his sad face was to love and 
provide as best in her power to aid him toward manhood. By her he 
was properly clothed and from her he received the merited comment, 
" There never was a better boy and he never failed to do what I had 
asked of him." This Lincoln greatly appreciated and his eulogy of her 
was, " My sainted mother ! My angel mother ! " 

Without a year's schooling, but being a great reader : .lEsop's Fables, 
Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, Robinson Crusoe, United States History, 
Weem's Life of Washington, the Bible, Life of Henry Clay and Ben- 
jamin Franklin were an inspiration to his youth. He was strictly tem- 
perate, admirable in mimic, fond of music, never profane, conscientious, 
unselfish, apt in story-telling, kind, jolly, and above all, of great in- 
dustry. Patience, energy and appreciation of possible advantage, that 
led him to think he could be President. The Lincoln cabin in South- 
ern Indiana with its large fireplace, logs burning thereon brightly, and 
Lincoln at length on the floor, solving the problems in arithmetic on 
the wooden shovel which he had shaved clean for the purpose and the 
use of charcoal for a pencil, is a familiar picture to the youth of this 
day and speaks strongly to mind and heart of all who love a noble and 
aspiring youth. 

On the leaf of Lincoln's copybook, and of his own composition was 
the following: 

" Abraham Lincoln, his hand and pen, 
He will be good, but God knows when." 

Composed by Chaplain J. L. Boyd for Commandery of Loyal Legion 
OF Colorado and Wyoming and recited by him February 12, 
1909. 

{By permission of the Author) 

One hundred years since Lincoln came. 
This century has brought great fame 
To those so great, and those so good, 
Not born of kings, or royal blood, 



40 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

But born of God, for purpose grand, 
The heroes of our native land. 

Born for the time; born to command, 
To hold o'er all a righteous hand — 
A hand baptized by war's sad fire 
That saved us from secession ire. 

These heroes as true soldiers stood, 

Of humble birth, but loyal blood, 

And in the throes of civil war 

Lincoln died. But Oh ! what for ? 

Whom did he harm, whom would he hurt? 

That vengeance of the South be heard. 

The South ne'er had a better friend; 
How could it seek to be avenged? 
Vengeance belongs to God alone — 
Lincoln died ! but not to atone 
For any wrong that he had done. 
But bring a brighter era on. 

Good men oft have dared to die 

That greater victory should be won, 

Higher strength to lean upon — 

That in the nation's sacrifice 

A better one from it arise 

And the nation's blood become the seed 

To save it in the time of need. 

Whose soul in sorrow then outpoured. 
As on the scenes of blood and gore 
He then beheld the hell of war. 
And as his Master had before 
Prayed the nation be restored. 

The prayer was heard, 
The nation saved ! 
Great Lincoln died ! 
The good ! The brave ! 

So Lincoln's name when thought or sung 
In this great land, by old or young, 
Bears with it a martyr blessed — 
Greatly loved among the best. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 41 

Sing out, fair land, our hero's name 
Place it on high in hall of fame ! 
Forgetting not of wise and best 
God has with our nation blest. 

His hundredth birthday celebrate. 
As would our Lincoln, others great 
Knowing were he with us among 
Would sing with us the patriot's song. 

And could he now in spirit wand 
Write on our halls in magic hand 
It seems that he would there indite 
The Nation's good, my greatest pride: 
For it I lived; for it I died. 

But now perchance this very night 
It is to Lincoln's great delight — 
The land he did in life command, 
Will finish well what he began — 
The Nation long perpetuate 
In all that's good and all that's great, 
Thus honoring him, we celebrate. 

This is the time when birth and blood 
Should be more justly understood — 
That we to be of noble mind 
Must be as Lincoln, wise and kind. 
Cherish his words of great intent 
To preserve this government. 

And like him we must act and think, 
From loyal duty never shrink, 
That government our own by birth 
Shall never perish from the earth. 

Thus we'll forgive, but can't forget 
The brave men of the South we met, 
On carnage fields the North did ken 
That we were meeting valiant men. 

Men who have sworn allegiance new 
To crimson color, white and blue. 
And such as now, both near and far 
Who love on flag our every star. 



42 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Whose arms were drawn it to protect 
We do forgive and not forget. 

Though there were men in plea of war 
Whose deeds of wrong have left foul scar, 
Yet as of whole it may be said, 
The fallen hosts in honor bled. 

The bars on Flag express the bands 

That bind us in one happy land. 

Once, of the gray, now all of blue. 

Loyal men, well tried and true. . - - • 

And thus with Lincoln wise and kind. 
No envy in our hearts we find, 
But Amity we wish to all — 
Of malice hold we none. 

Copyrighted. 

THE MAN WHO WAS READY 
From the Address of John J. Lace, Greely, Colorado 

The America we know has come into existence since his (Lin- 
coln's) time — the America of large cities, rapid transit, colossal for- 
tunes, conventional tastes and extravagant living. The America of 
Lincoln was of homespun. Aye, literally, of homespun. You will re- 
call how that after he had attained his majority and started out for 
himself, one of the first pieces of work he did was to split rails for the 
purpose of purchasing a quantity of material with which to procure 
for himself a new pair of trousers. Four hundred fence rails for every 
yard of brown jeans dyed with white walnut bark, which went into 
this well-earned garment. 

We instinctively associate Lincoln with the frontier. The timbered 
farm in the clearing, the log cabin on the banks of the creek, the ir- 
regular lots inclosed by stake fences and the dark rim of surround- 
ing woods shutting off the settler from his neighbors and the outside 
world. But it was just this isolation and solitude that bred the home- 
spun virtues of the time, self-reliance, personal courage, readiness of 
human resource and genuine faith in God. For any representation of 
the character of Lincoln's age must take full account of its religion. 
The simple, natural, human sense of the mystical and spiritual which 
believes the Scriptures and takes the Deity into partnership for every- 
day life. It is not difficult to imagine that kind of religion in the 
solitudes of the wilderness where men had time to think and where 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 43 

circumstances compelled the recognition of the power that speaks out of 
the storm and whispers in the still small voice when there is no other 
with whom to take counsel in emergencies or on whom to rely for help. 

Oh ! There were vices, too, a plenty, in that time. But even they 
were of the rugged, turbulent, out-of-door, I had almost said wholesome 
type, such as lie upon the surface of society. Some drunkenness; fight- 
ing also, was not infrequent, and swearing, card-playing, horse-racing 
and the like offered the customary vent for excess of animal spirits 
and the boisterous energy of strong men accustomed to the purely 
physical problems of subduing the wilderness. Vulgar vices, we call 
them. I wonder if they were more vulgar than the conventional vices 
of to-day? Than the blight of secret impurity, the crime of race-sui- 
cide, the dishonesty of modern advertising and commercial methods, 
the respectable thievery we call " graft," or the thinly veiled corruption 
of the common immoralities disclosed every day by our divorce courts? 
But however we may describe them, these vices of that time were held 
well in check. They were not characteristic, but rather incidental. Ex- 
crescences upon the body social. The deep, underlying and representa- 
tive character of the time was sound and good and into this character 
Christianity was firmly imbedded. I call attention to this because the 
distinguishing qualities of Lincoln's manhood that stand out in any and 
in every delineation are qualities determined by just the conditions I 
have sought to describe. 

We speak of his honesty and fair-mindedness, for example — a simple 
elemental virtue. But how it looms up in the presence of the common, 
current conceptions of public men and public methods in the age in 
which we live! I read a couple of days ago concerning the candidate 
for the United States Senate from the state of Wisconsin, that he had 
spent not less than $300,000 to secure the endorsement of the Primary 
election! It was stated by his own party paper, given as an ordinary 
piece of news and as a matter of course. In contrast with such a pro- 
ceeding, hear Lincoln's letter to Hon. Hawkins Taylor, of Iowa, a 
delegate to the National Convention at Chicago "As to your kind 
wishes for myself, allow me to say I cannot enter the ring on the 
money basis — first, because in the main it is wrong; and secondly, I 
have not and cannot get the money. I say in the main the use of money 
is wrong, but for certain objects in a political contest, the use of some 
is both right and indispensable. With me, as with yourself, this long 
struggle has been one of great pecuniary loss. I now distinctly say 
this — if you shall be appointed a delegate to Chicago, I will furnish one 
hundred dollars to bear the expenses of the trip." One hundred dol- 
lars to bear the expenses of the trip ! Open, straight-forward, bona 
fide, specific. No vague or veiled assurances of patronage or boodle; 
no promise to take care of his correspondent if elected; no suggestion 
of a " barrel " for manipulation ; no chance for misunderstanding. 



44 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Now, if there ever was an occasion for departing from his strict and 
simple principles it was then. But no exigency could drive him from 
his integrity. He might fail of the coveted preferment as he had done 
on other occasions, but he would keep faith with himself whatever 
happened. 

I have looked as you have looked for the basis of this sterling qual- 
ity. It was grounded yonder in the boyhood practice that made him the 
most " popular " help in Gentryville, when for twenty-five cents a day 
paid to his father, he toiled so faithfully that it is recorded he " could 
strike heavier blows with the maul and sink the axe deeper into the 
wood " than anybody else in the community. In the same practice later 
adhered to, when having discovered that he had taken six and one- 
half cents too much from a customer in trade, he walked three miles 
into the country the same evening after business, to return the money. 
" A simple elemental virtue," you say again. Yes, but would you care 
to trust even your political interests to one without it ? And is it not 
the lack of this absolute honesty that is destroying our faith in so 
many public men to-day — that is giving rise to a new standard of pub- 
lic morals? A standard which is no standard? Let us plant our feet 
upon the fact that Abraham Lincoln was true. True to himself, true 
to his fellow-countrymen, true to his God. Let us exploit this so- 
called elemental virtue and inculcate its adoption and imitation by our 
children and by the people of our generation, for, after all, this is the 
fundamental virtue of moral personality. God is true. 

But truth did not stand alone in Lincoln's character, even though 
he became known as " Honest Abe." His gentleness, tenderness, sym- 
pathy and piety do not want for illustration. Lincoln was a good boy 
and a good man; sound and wholesome in heart and life. And I wish 
that we might clearly apprehend this principle as one which will bear 
absolute demonstration. It is the good boy who makes the good man. 
I doubt if you can find an exception to the rule. 

The new standard of morality referred to, the loose and careless 
thinking upon this subject which is common, seems not only to tolerate 
but even to foster youthful delinquency and degeneracy. There is an 
indifference to moral restraint, a wantonness of pleasure, and an ex- 
travagance of expense in our time that is a positive menace to our so- 
cial system. It may be preaching, but if so we have an excellent text 
in the subject of our celebration, when we affirm that youthful de- 
generacy and the absence of rigorous self-restraint and self-denial only 
breeds rottenness and dishonor — moral and physical bankruptcy and fail- 
ure in subsequent life. If there is any practical lesson to be drawn from 
this celebration, it is this lesson. 

I want to accentuate Lincoln's application and industry. For, next 
to his honesty, no other attribute so distinguished his character or ex- 
plains his career. It is his industry upon which I wish to dwell as 



Centemiial Birtliday of Abraham Lincoln 45 

affording the ground for that particular message to be carried away 
by those in attendance upon this celebration. 

But I was to speak in conclusion of Abraham Lincoln's industry. 
This is the characteristic American virtue, especially so as it pertains 
to the old regime. We regard it as the characteristic virtue of our 
people, still even though we often now only pretend to its possession. 
I speak of this last, because I regard it as the secret of Mr. Lincoln's 
career. This and that mystical element which embodied his religion. 
The dreams, visions and superstitions he had, which, however, were 
taken so seriously and with such temperate sanity that they only held 
him rigidly to a high sense of morality in practice and a sacred regard 
for a great and holy moral mission in the world. These hold the ex- 
planation of all that he wrought or became. And, although it is now 
too late to announce a formal theme, the title which I feel ought to be 
attached to these remarks, and which conveys at least a hint of the 
lesson we ought to retain after this celebration is over, is, Lincoln, 
The Man Who Was Ready. 

We see him first of all learning to read and write. What labor it 
must have involved to acquire such excellent penmanship, if nothing 
more ! He had no proper school or teachers, yet he acquired a choice 
and distinctive chirography and use of English. Then, when someone 
wanted a clerk of election — (It was a strange community for Lincoln 
and he was a stranger, but he had what was needed.) " Can you write?" 
inquired the election official with some solicitude when Lincoln was 
mentioned. " Yes, I can make a few rabbit tracks," said he, and the 
job was his. Thus was his way opened to public recognition and con- 
fidence almost before he was settled in his new surroundings. 

You recall perhaps as most characteristic his facility in the art of 
story-telling. It was carefully acquired and by most assiduous toil as 
a means of admission to public confidence and esteem. And it never 
failed him. He always had his story ready, whether to illustrate an 
argument, turn the force of an opponent's attack or escape an un- 
pleasant situation while in office. It has been demonstrated a thousand 
times since that the story is one of the most effective means of both 
social and political advancement, but Lincoln may be said to have dis- 
covered it. He was ready. 

Note his providential direction toward the study of law. In a barrel 
of old junk bought from a wayfarer, who needed the room in his wagon, 
Lincoln found a complete edition of Blackstone's Commentaries. Now 
what would such a " find " mean to the ordinary young storekeeper at 
a country crossroads ? But to Abraham Lincoln it was a bonanza, 
because he was prepared for it. He was ready. When a youth of 
eighteen, back in Gentryville home, one of the books he had borrowed 
and carefully read was a copy of the Revised Statutes of Indiana. (It 
is said that he discussed its contents with intelligence even at that time.) 



46 Centennial Birthday of AbraJiam Lincoln 

Where is the boy of eighteen to-day who would from persona! choice 
borrow and read carefully such a book as a copy of the Revised Statutes 
of his state ? Yet it was that book which taught Lincoln to read Black- 
stone — opened his eyes to its value and enabled him to understand its 
contents. His law practice followed. He was ready for his opportunity. 

It will have to be admitted by all who make an intensive study of 
his life that it was the speech at Bloomington, organizing the Repub- 
lican Party in Illinois, which made Lincoln president. It was not his 
debate with Douglas, nor yet his various speaking tours through the East 
and in New England, though these and many other experiences had 
their influence upon the situation, but that speech at Bloomington, the 
ideal of statesmanship for its dignified reserve, reasonable, conciliatory, 
considerate of all the diverse factions which entered into the new amal- 
gamation and yet mercilessly logical in exhibiting and accentuating vital 
issues and rising to a white heat of eloquence in its power to fuse all 
parties upon the great moral question polarizing all public opinion at that 
period; rousing and kindling the faith, the hopes, the passions, the im- 
pulses of his auditors until every member of that historic convention 
felt the day had dawned and the hour had struck when the question 
of liberty was to be tried out upon these shores, and that if the purpose 
of the fathers, the provisions of the constitution and the moral destiny 
of man were not to fail, the Republican Party was the only instrument 
available to prevent it. 

One might illustrate this theme further by the conduct of President 
Lincoln after his election and before the inauguration. How, when the 
whole country was excited over threatening developments and the 
leaders were clamoring for some quieting utterance from him, some 
statement that might perhaps imply a compromise, he was sitting at 
home reading The Nullifiers of 1832. He had no statement to make. 
The time for compromises was past. The issue must now be decided 
on its merits. He had fully declared its logic to the people and he 
was ready. 

In due time the inauguration took place. It had been feared that the 
President would be assassinated before he could take the oath. But you 
remember that two months previously he arranged with General Scott 
to make provisions for this crisis also. He was ready. 

The whole story of the Emancipation Proclamation: Do you recall 
the tentative putting forward of the proposition? His elaborate state- 
ment and discussion of the objections to it? His " Card up his sleeve? " 
His canvass of the matter again and again with the border states, until 
the entire country came to understand the reasons why and to desire 
emancipation? And then the deed was done, for he was ready. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 47 



THE PERFECT RULER OF MEN 

From an Address by Joseph Farrand Tuttle, Jr., Auditorium, 
Denver, Colorado 

We love him (Lincoln) not only as the great President, the great 
statesman, the great martyr, the great Emancipator, whose representa- 
tives here in this service to-day and all over the world are bowing in 
loving worship at his shrine, but we love him because he is the great 
Master of men, the Perfect Ruler of men, who, in his humble birth and 
in his magic power to charm the hearts of men, has made all the 
dearer to us the story of Bethlehem's wayside inn two thousand years 
ago. 

As those three swarthy lords from the Orient hills paid their loving 
homage to the child in the manger that first Christmas morning, so 
there were wise men at Washington in i860 who laid their gifts of 
gold, frankincense and myrrh at the feet of Abraham Lincoln, the 
child of the west. 

I suppose the most powerful body of men ever associated in American 
history was President Lincoln's cabinet in the first year of his admin- 
istration. William H. Seward, the ablest diplomatist of his age; Ed- 
ward Bates, of Missouri, that wily political chief of the old Whig 
school; Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio, courtly, able, dignified, polished. 
These three men had been Mr. Lincoln's active opponents at Chicago 
for the nomination in i860, and with the instinct of a perfect ruler 
he gathered them in his cabinet, that no dissensions might arise among 
them to imperil the country. Then those great lawyers of Indiana, Caleb 
B. Smith and John P. Upsher; Montgomery Blair, the leader of the 
Maryland Bar; Gideon Welles, of Connecticut; Edwin M. Stanton — a 
fiery eight-in-hand they were, some of them having never worked in 
harness before, that is, having never held office before, with Abraham 
Lincoln on the box. They pulled up evenly on the bit at the start, but 
from the slack rein over their backs, each soon, to change the figure, 
imagined that around himself and his department was whirling the 
grotesque Abraham Lincoln like an attending satellite. Secretary 
Seward was the first to have his mind disabused of this impression, as 
one day he received a touch with the whip on the flank. And he 
looked around and wondered if the man on the box meant it. 

And it happened in this way. One day Mr. Seward said to Mr. 
Lincoln, " Now you have this great war on your hands, you attend to 
home matters, and I will look after our foreign relations." And I can 
imagine Abraham Lincoln laughing one of those loud. Western prairie 
laughs of his, such as John Hay tells us of, as he said, " What a capital 
idea, Seward; what a team we'll make, but say (as Mr. Seward was 



48 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

about leaving him, perhaps thinking in his heart what easy game he 
had made of Abraham Lincoln) don't forget to show me everything you 
receive, and particularly everything you send away"; and that was all. 

Members of the Grand Army of the Republic, you will remember when 
you enlisted in 1861 and went down to bloody battlefields that the Re- 
public might live, our relations were very much strained with England. 
The whole North was greatly shocked when a Cunard steamer arrived 
in New York one morning in the first week of May, 1861, with the 
published proclamation of Queen Victoria's recognition of the belliger- 
ency of the Confederate States. It was then necessary for Mr. Seward 
to make good his suggestions and write his first important state paper, 
viz., a letter of instructions to Charles Francis Adams, our Minister 
at the Court of St. James. It was such a delicate task that he did not 
submit it in a dictation to a clerk, but wrote it all out carefully with 
his own hand in thirteen closely written pages. Remembering Mr. 
Lincoln's little caution, he went to the White House with it, to have 
Mr. Lincoln put his little official " O. K. " upon it. Now the condition 
of that letter as Mr. Lincoln returned it always reminds me of what I 
used to hear the good people of Cambridge say of Rufus Choate's sig- 
nature, " A gridiron struck by lightning ! " Section after section of 
Mr. Seward's letter had been stricken out; many words, even whole 
sentences, were erased, and new ones substituted ; in some places the 
white spaces between the lines were entirely absorbed with the inter- 
lineation of new sentences : beautiful flowers of rhetoric ruthlessly 
torn up by the root. And then, this humble backwoodsman who had 
been cradled in a hollowed-out log, whose only schooling had been the 
winter evenings before the rude fireplace, where, in the absence of 
candles or of old rags soaked in oil, his mother had taught him and 
his father to read and write in the blaze of the spice-wood brush he 
had chopped up and thrown upon the fire, and where, stretched out 
upon the rough, gritty, dirt floor, he would cipher upon an old wooden 
shovel with a bit of charred wood picked from the fireplace, and say to 
himself, " I'll study and get ready, and then maybe the chance will 
come"; what do you think of this humble backwoodsman criticizing 
the English of the accomplished, the versatile, the scholarly William H. 
Seward and actually showing him that in some places he had not even 
expressed his own meaning ! 

William H. Seward had a very little body, but a very big brain and 
a very big heart of love for his country. But it would seem as if the 
feathers were standing out at right angles all over his little body, when 
he wrote this sentence of this letter to Mr. Adams, " We intend to have 
a clear and simple record of every issue which may arise between us 
and Great Britain." Mr. Lincoln bracketed the paragraph and wrote 
in the margin, " Leave out." Mr. Seward wrote, " The President is 
surprised and grieved." Mr. Lincoln changed it to " The President re- 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 49 

grets." Mr. Seward referred to certain acts of Great Britain as 
" wrongful." Mr. Lincoln changed it to " hurtful." Mr. Seward made 
reference to certain explanations made by the British government. Mr. 
Lincoln wrote, " Leave out, because it does not appear that such ex- 
planations were demanded " — just a jog to Mr. Seward's memory. Mr. 
Seward wrote learnedly of " the laws of nature." Mr. Lincoln ran his 
pen through the expression, " laws of nature," and wrote " our own 
laws." Good, honest, United States laws were all Abraham Lincoln 
was looking for in those days. Mr. Seward wrote, " The laws of na- 
tions afford us an adequate and proper remedy, and we shall avail 
ourselves of it" (an implied threat, you see). Mr. Lincoln wrote op- 
posite the last part of that sentence in the margin, " Out." Mr. Seward 
elaborated a thought in seven particular words, and Mr. Lincoln ran 
his pen through one, two, three, four, five, six of those words and left 
only one word as having sufficient carrying power to designate Mr. 
Seward's meaning. Mr. Seward wrote, " Europe atoned by forty years 
of suffering for the crime Great Britain had committed," and Mr. Lin- 
coln changed the word " crime " to " error." 

Now, Charles Francis Adams with that letter as originally written 
by Mr. Seward would have been a bluffer and a bully with his mouth 
full of threats before the English court. But with it as corrected by 
this log-cabin genius of belles-lettres he was a far different man. He 
read that letter as if it had been his Bible, till he became saturated 
through and through with the spirit of Abraham Lincoln. From it he 
learned to be tactful, patient, long-suffering, hoping all things, endur- 
ing all things, having the power and gift of silence, the power of say- 
ing nothing when there was nothing to say, or rather of saying nothing 
that had better be left unsaid, like the great Master at Washington — 
qualities he sorely needed for a great trial that was to come. 

At that time at Birkenhead on the Mersey, just opposite Liverpool, 
two powerful, armored cruisers were being built by private British cap- 
ital, destined, so Mr. Adams's secret agents informed him, to be delivered 
to the Confederacy at a certain secret island in the West Indies, and 
there to be turned loose to harry and scourge the commerce of the 
United States from the high seas, as the Alabama and Shenandoah 
did two years later. There was no more critical moment in the Civil 
War. Intervention or non-intervention on the one hand, and a war 
between the United States and Great Britain on the other, all depended 
upon the wisdom of Charles Francis Adams, three thousand miles away 
from his home government, for instructions and no Atlantic cable be- 
tween the two countries at that time. It was for this moment that the 
Perfect Ruler at Washington had corrected that letter, whose wise, noble 
and large spirit were so incarnated in the bearing of Mr. Adams, that 
finally the British ministers, wise men also, with gifts in their hands, 
made this fair proposition to Mr. Adams: "If you will deposit one 



50 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

million pounds sterling with the British government as indemnity 
against possible suits that may be instituted against it by these private 
capitalists, we will not allow these ships to sail ! " 

When Mr. Adams returned to his ofBce that day, there was a knock 
at his office door, and upon opening it, he looked into the face of a 
man, whose name at the man's request he refused to divulge to the 
day of his death — a fellow Massachusetts citizen, a banker in London. 
And he said to Mr. Adams, "I know all about it; here are one million 
pounds sterling in gold certificates deposited in various banks in London ; 
deposit them to the credit of the United States." A few days after- 
wards Mr. Adams deposited these particular one million pounds sterling 
with the British government as the indemnity they had asked, and those 
two armored cruisers never sailed from the banks of the Mersey. The 
swords that had been unsheathed in America and England were re- 
turned to their scabbards, because the pen of Abraham Lincoln was 
mightier than the sword. 



CONNECTICUT 

LINCOLN THE MAGNIFICENT 

From the Address of Rev. J. W. Richardson, Stamford, Conn. 

[Mayor, Councilmen, Selectmen and other officials were present. Hobbie and 
Minor Posts, G. A. R., and the Council of O. U. A. M. attended in a body.] 

" He possessed a wide-awake conscience. He never resorted to a trick 
to win a case. He was not in the profession merely to make big fees. 
Strange as it may seem, yet 'tis true, Lincoln practiced law that those 
who retained him might have justice done them — no more. It is to 
the eternal credit of Lincoln that, though a great lawyer, no man with 
a wicked case, no man with an unjust demand, dare ask him to plead 
his cause. If he found a client had deceived him, Lincoln would 
abandon the case in the midst of the trial. Only one thought was 
uppermost in his soul — not money, but justice! justice! justice! Can 
you wonder that more volumes have been written concerning Lincoln 
than about any other character of history? Once a great case was 
pending, and the verdict hinged on the testimony of one of his own 
witnesses. The cross-questioning of the opposing counsel had failed to 
shake this witness. But the witness told a lie. No one but Lincoln 
knew it was a lie. Success depended upon the testimony of this wit- 
ness. But Lincoln leaped to his feet and exclaimed, ' Your honor, my 
witness has lied. I ask that his testimony be stricken from the record. 
I will win this verdict honestly or not at all.' He won ! We ought 
not to wonder that the people called him ' Honest old Abe.' 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 51 



WAS SINCERE AS A POLITICIAN 

" It is a remarkable fact that, though we are able to ransack this 
man's past, and in cold blood analyze his deeds and words, yet it is 
impossible to find the stain of a dishonest deal. There is no pitch 
clinging to his sacred memory. Lincoln proves beyond contradiction 
that a man genuinely sincere at heart can enter politics and remain 
sincere. Lincoln teaches every generation of Americans that it is not 
politics which are rotten, but rotten men in politics. We have a 
splendid revelation of his innermost character. When Lincoln was 
studying for the bar, William Butler practically supported him. When 
Lincoln went to Congress, Butler wanted to become Register of the 
Land Office as recompense for the past. Lincoln acknowledged, with 
tears in his eyes, the debt of gratitude, but declined to make the ap- 
pointment. He refused to use public office as the means to pay private 
accounts. He was the immortal Lincoln who first said, ' A public office 
is a public trust, to be administered to the people.' He never gave 
political preference to his friends. He was extremely cautious to avoid 
the imputation of loyalty to friends at the expense of his opponents. He 
looked for character in his appointees. Stanton, who severely criti- 
cized him, he made Secretary of War; Seward, who grossly insulted 
him, he kept in the Cabinet. Lincoln was as sincere in politics as in 
boyhood days he had been sincere with his mother. Aye, the proof of 
his sincerity flares out ! When Lincoln ran for the legislature as a 
Whig, his own town, where they knew him in and out, gave him every 
vote but seven. 

" Lincoln's debates with Judge Douglas introduced Lincoln to the 
country, and he was nominated for the presidency. Then bedlam broke 
loose here in America. O, what days those were ! The orators stig- 
matized Lincoln as the ' Illinois ape.' The society people said he was 
the offspring of low-down white trash. The London Punch called him 
a 'vulgar beggar.' Harper's Weekly called him an 'ignorant mounte- 
bank.' The yellow journals with yellow editors exclaimed, ' Hannibal 
Hamlin, Lincoln's running mate, has negro blood in his veins. Aha ! 
a rail-splitter and a nigger at the head of our government.' The oppo- 
sition of those days used gall for ink, venom for ideas, and the passions 
of Hell for inspiration ! But those two — the heroic Lincoln and Ham- 
lin, the smoke curling upward about their brows, stood there erect in 
dignified silence, their eyes on God, and no fear in their hearts. 



GLORY OF LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION 

" ' But ' — you heard it on the street, at cafes, in all social circles. 
' But — ' With tense nerves everybody waited to see what would hap- 



52 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

pen. The answer of the South to that election was to secede and fire 
on Sumter. Was Lincoln fitted to rule in this terrible emergency? 
Seward, his Secretary of State, thought not; he expected to be the 
brains of the administration; he expected to guide behind Lincoln as 
a figurehead, and frankly said so to Lincoln. The gross insult did not 
ruffle Lincoln's temper. With quiet dignity he replied, 'I will be 
President; you will be Secretary — no more!' 

" The slave party launched its thunderbolt. Lincoln turned to meet 
it. He lifted up his voice, and from every hamlet, city and town. 
North, came the thrilling answer, ' We are coming. Father Abraham, 
100,000 strong.' He lifted up his voice the second time and Boys in 
Blue, like the stars in beauty and for numbers, swarmed to the front. 
He lifted up his hand, and new navies were born and swept out to 
meet and vanquish hostile fleets. O, Father Abraham knew how to 
rule ! He, President, statesman, prophet, combined in one consecrated 
soul, sublimely rose to the situation. He was the one man for the 
hour ! For two years he'd held no regular and formal meetings of the 
Cabinet. There were no combinations of politicians controlling the 
government. Lincoln assumed the whole stupendous responsibility. Ne- 
cessity compelled the suspension of ' habeas corpus ' ; to embarrass the 
administration, enemies threatened to prosecute the Secretary of War 
for alleged false arrests. Lincoln accepted the whole burden, saying: 
' I ordered it. Stand off.' And they kept hands off. Lincoln stood 
there alone — with the people — there was no third but Jehovah ! 

" As we look back upon that period when the belching of cannon 
formed the morning anthem, and the smoke of battle was the evening 
pall, we can see that calm, consecrated genius overcoming it all. There 
was a mighty rebellion lashing the waters into foam, and he kept the 
ship of state off the rocks ! The hostile powers of the old world were 
looking for an opening into which to thrust their talons, and Lincoln 
kept the crowned buzzards on their roosts ! There was an entire race 
of bondmen wailing for liberty, and he, by a stroke of the pen, struck 
off their shackles without overturning the social fabric ! With an 
awful debt piling up like mountains kissing a black sky, he prevented 
bankruptcy, saved the national credit, and kept the Boys in Blue march- 
ing till they reached Appomattox. No monarch wearing crown and 
purple robe ever achieved such an everlasting victory as he from the 
log cabin. Lincoln may not have had royal blood in his veins, but he 
was superlatively royal of soul. 

" ' Wonderful Lincoln, grander than King, 
Exalting thyself from humblest state; 
Honor supreme to thee we bring, 
Our country's ruler, wise and great.' 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 53 



IMPARTIAL HISTORY VINDICATES HIM 

" He was inspired of God, as Moses was inspired ; that was why he 
could see clear through the maze, and select the very means which 
would extricate slavery and division and renew union and prosperity. 
Knowing he was right, he never changed his principles or policies. 
The whole gigantic problem was solved exactly as he predicted. The 
house ceased to be divided; the Union was forever welded together, 
and the sign was lifted up high on the wall, which tells all usurpers 
what it will cost if one class ever attempts to enslave any portion of 
the American people. Lincoln made Liberty of the people immortal. 
Had Lincoln's foresight betrayed him, the autocrats of Europe would 
have become more despotic. The victory which Lincoln achieved for 
the people has marched on like ' John Brown's soul,' dimming every 
sceptre, undermining every throne. That victory of the people over 
oligarchy means eventually exile for all autocrats. Lincoln has nailed 
to the sky where all the world reads, ' The right of the people every- 
where to govern themselves.' 

" If Lincoln, by his sagacity, had not made it necessary for Lee to 
surrender to Grant, the French Republic had not been created; Em- 
peror Maximilian and his empire had not been ejected from Mexico; 
the Turks had not wrenched a constitution from the Sultan; and the 
down-trodden hordes of Russia would not have caught a gleam of lib- 
erty for one hundred years to come. Aye, Abraham Lincoln's soul 
goes marching on ! 

" Reverently, tenderly, with aching hearts, we entombed his wounded 
body, but the molding touch of the immortal Lincoln continues. North 
and South are remarried, and the principles of Lincoln form the wed- 
ding-ring. Unparalleled prosperity, like an angel in white, broods over 
the land. Suddenly, the country is forced into a new war. Lo ! the 
chivalry of Lincoln is still abroad in the land. For the sake of another 
down-trodden race, an American host carries the flag of Liberty to 
the gates of Spanish oppression. The doors opened and American sun- 
light streamed through. And marching shoulder to shoulder, beneath 
the Stars and Stripes, were ' Yank ' and ' Reb,' merged into patriotic 
sons, with a single holy purpose. And guiding serried ranks to another 
immortal victory were the swords of Grant's son and Fitzhugh Lee, 
flashing side by side. At last the spirit of Lincoln has made of North 
and South one people — and Old Glory their sacred, beloved flag." 



54 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 



DELAWARE 

Address delivered by William W. Knowles, of the New Castle 
County Bar, on the occasion of the celebration of Lincoln's 
Birthday, by Captain Evan S. Watson Post, No. 5, Depart- 
ment of Delaware, G. A. R., and the New Castle High 
School, in the New Castle High School Building, New 
Castle, Del., February 12, 1909. 

LINCOLN A MOSES 

Every great occasion brings forth a great man. When the burdens 
of the children of Israel became unbearable by reason of the bondage 
in which they were held by the Egyptians, they appealed to the King 
of kings for liberation, and God hearing their cries produced a man, 
called Moses, and inspired him with power to perform that great work. 

Greece has had her Pericles to make Athens the most illustrious city 
in the world, and to crown the Acropolis with wonders of architecture, 
whose glory no other city has ever approached. Rome has had her 
Caesar, and France her Napoleon. England has had her Cromwell to 
teach her people and the people of all other nations that " resistance 
to tyrants is obedience to God," and when the times demanded a greater 
leader to solve greater social and political questions, she has produced 
in all his grandeur and sublimity a Gladstone. 

Who is he? Born one hundred years ago in that fair, sunny land 
rich in Philosophic thought, in that land where the birds are singing 
merrily and all nature seems in tune ; in that land where every one of 
its citizens rejoices in the appellation that he is a native of the Blue 
Grass Country. But the State of Kentucky is not the State for him. 
He moves to Illinois, enters the State legislature, on to Congress, thence 
to the Executive Chair, and though he was disgracefully assassinated, 
at his death he bore the shackles of four million slaves and linked his 
name with that of liberty. 

Lincoln must have been inspired of God; for no man was ever called 
upon to perform such arduous and painful duties as he performed in 
those trying days from '61 to the hour of his death. Like Moses of 
old, he was only permitted, however, to lead his people through the 
wilderness and view the promised land without entrance. That he was 
assassinated before his life's work was completed is one of the saddest 
thoughts in history. 

The story of the life and character of Abraham Lincoln will be a 
source of help and inspiration to the youth of this and other lands as 
long as day returns. If ever a boy was born in abject poverty, he was. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 55 

If ever a man accomplished great things against tremendous odds, it 
was Lincoln. From boyhood to the time of his assassination he showed 
the elements of true greatness. Within his nature he had the qualities 
of a statesman rather than those of a politician. And let me say that 
the true distinction between a politician and a statesman is this : a poli- 
tician always strives to persuade and coax the people to do something 
for him, the true statesman desires to do something for the people. 

The history of Abraham Lincoln should be sufficient to inspire every 
boy with courage in the hope that he can make something of himself, 
however poor he may be. He should think how grand and glorious is 
that country which permits the poorest equally with the richest to pur- 
sue the highway to fame and reach the highest office in the land. I 
am glad I live in a Country where a boy can go from a towpath, a tan- 
yard, or a rail-cut to the presidency of the greatest nation on earth. 

At twenty-two years of age Lincoln went down the Mississippi River 
on a flat-boat and was paid the magnificent sum of ten dollars per 
month. He went as far as New Orleans and while there with several 
companions visited a slave market. He saw a young colored girl sold 
at auction. He heard the jeers of the bidders and the brutal lan- 
guage of the auctioneer. He was deeply touched at this scene of in- 
humanity to man and said, " If I ever get a chance to hit slavery, with 
God's help I'll hit it hard." That poor colored girl died unconscious of 
the fact that she planted in the heart of a great man the seeds of the 
Emancipation Proclamation. Thirty-one years elapsed and Lincoln kept 
his promise. He lived to see his promise bear full fruition, until his 
name stood first on Columbia's Calendar of worth and fame, and until 
all loyal hearts were his. He lived until there remained nothing for him 
to do as great as he had done. 

Lincoln was unique in whatever he said or did. He was not a copy- 
ist. He had the happy faculty of combining a wonderful amount of 
thought into few words and sentences. His addresses were never 
lengthy, and his letters on any and every subject were ordinarily short 
in comparison to those written by our later-day presidents. He ex- 
pressed himself clearly and definitely, so that no word or line that he 
wrote either for private or public reading was ever used to tie his 
hands. Nearly his whole political philosophy is bound up in four 
speeches, one made at Springfield, Illinois, another at Peoria, Illinois, 
another at Columbus, Ohio, another at Cooper Union, New York. Of 
course he made many other speeches, but these contain the quintes- 
sence of his political ideas. Nearly all of his addresses and letters were 
written and delivered on the question of slavery: hence their subject- 
matter is not now very much appreciated. People are growing more 
and more tired of reading slavery literature. We are trying to forget 
that the Civil War ever occurred, and we pass over the literature of 
that period with as little notice as possible. 



56 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Probably Lincoln's style and diction, outside of showing the real 
conditions of the times in which he lived, is now the most precious 
thing connected with all his letters and addresses. His diction may be 
said to be as pure as that of most any other writer in the realm of 
English literature. His speech at Gettysburg, a prose poem of exquisite 
beauty and concise expression, will be studied by the lovers of literary 
art for all time to come. One thing that deeply characterizes his ad- 
dresses is that his whole soul is in them. His brain and heart are 
always found together in whatever he said or did. 

On the memorable occasion at Gettysburg, Mr. Everett delivered a 
very scholarly oration of two hours in length. He delighted and 
charmed the vast audience. At the conclusion of his address, Mr. 
Lincoln was introduced to the great multitude. He read from a note 
book two hundred and sixty-six words and sat down to the disgust of 
all those in attendance. None thought at that time that one of the 
greatest orations of the world had been delivered. His speech simply 
shows what the heart and brain can do when working together, and 
Everett's shows what the brain can do when working alone. The 
studied and scholarly address of Mr. Everett is now scarcely read. 
It has almost been forgotten, while most school children are quite 
familiar with every word of Lincoln's address. Everett's address will 
become less and less interesting as the years pass by, while Lincoln's 
speech will be read and admired by all lovers of literature as long as 
constitutional government shall abide among men. 

I take off my hat to you, the " boys in blue," who, because of your 
devotion and sacrifices from the year '6i to '65, helped to make this 
union of States a real union. I always feel in your presence the in- 
spiration of the divine injunction " Take off thy shoes from off thy 
feet, the ground whereon thou standest is holy ground." You have 
been as honest in peace as you were brave and patriotic in war. You 
have worked and wrought with all of labor's royal sons that every pledge 
the Nation gave in war might be redeemed. I somewhat envy you, 
because you have done more for this Government, probably, than I 
will ever be able to do. The man who helped to save the Union by his 
courage and bravery by going to the front in the great Civil strife and 
during the long years of peace since passed has done his best to preserve 
and perpetuate our free institutions, morally speaking, is entitled to a 
great deal more consideration at the hands of the government than the 
man who has done what he can to discharge the duties of citizenship 
only in time of peace. For one to offer his body as a sacrifice on his 
country's altar for the defence of his country, and surviving the fates 
of war, lives up to the requirements of good citizenship in peace, dem- 
onstrates the very best and highest qualities of manhood and exempli- 
fies that quality and character of citizenship which will serve as an in- 
spiration and help to all the children of future generations. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 57 

You, Members of the Grand Army of the Republic, never fought for 
conquest, or particularly for glory. You fought not to enslave, but to 
free; not to destroy, but to save; not only for us, but for the peoples 
of all other lands. Every lover of liberty, under whatever flag he may 
be, owes you a debt of gratitude equally with us for your efforts in 
assisting all mankind to claim the rights and reap the fruits of unre- 
quited toil. You have seen war. But what is war? Sherman says 
it is " hell." Worcester says it is " open hostility between nations ; a 
public contest; warfare; fighting;" these are matters of description, 
and only give us a faint idea of what actual war is. But you know what 
war really is. 

Some thirteen years ago I stood on Fort Thomas, the position from 
which Sherman bombarded the City of Atlanta. I was told that that 
City had at the time of Sherman's bombardment some ten or fifteen 
thousand population. At the conclusion of his bombardment there was 
not so much as a shingle left to tell the story of that once peaceful 
town. I was also told that Sherman did not leave so much as a single 
pig alive or a house standing in a space of country about forty miles 
in width from Atlanta to the sea. This was real war. Sherman knew 
that war was governed by the rules of war and that the only way the 
South could be subdued was to impose on it all the conditions of actual 
warfare. But the recollections of Sherman's march, or the memories 
of Cold Harbor where men passed into eternity at the rate of one 
thousand a minute, make one more sensible of what the word " war " 
really means than any description that has ever yet been given by a 
lexicographer. Dictionaries give, after all, but a faint idea of what 
words really mean. Words are best defined in the actions of men. 

In the presence of the Grand Army of the Republic to-day we are 
sensibly reminded of the inroads that time makes upon the human 
family. Your numbers are vastly decreasing year by year. You went 
to war with other brave comrades in the strength of vigorous man- 
hood. You who survived that awful conflict left a grand and glorious 
record. But you also left on the battlefields some sad and painful 
memories. Many of your brave comrades sleep in unknown sunken 
graves, and their memories are only in the hearts of those they loved 
and left. " They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they 
rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tear- 
ful willows and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows 
of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm — each in the win- 
dowless palace of rest. Earth may run red with other wars, they are 
at peace. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the 
serenity of death." I have one profound feeling in my heart for the 
old soldier — cheers for those who are living; tears for those who are 
dead. 

It will not be long before the organization known as the Grand Army 



58 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

of the Republic will exist only on the pages of history. The last of 
you will soon have mingled with the dust and answered the roll call 
on the eternal camping grounds beyond the skies. Sad is the thought. 
Words cannot express our feelings on this matter. We can only stand 
with bowed heads and in the hush and silence feel what speech can- 
not tell. 

We must not forget, however, that Lincoln was the hero of the hour. 
He stood at the front and centre of the great conflict. He gave and sent 
orders. He was the real leader from the beginning to the end. He was 
the Moses of that Israel. 

FLORIDA 

Message of Albert W. Gilchrist, Governor of Florida, to the 

Legislature 

The three greatest men this nation has produced are George Wash- 
ington, Robert E. Lee and Abraham Lincoln. By legislative enactment, 
this State has declared the anniversary of the birthday of the first two 
a legal holiday. It is recommended that February 12th, the anniversary 
of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, be declared a legal holiday. 

Abraham Lincoln showed no animus toward the South. He was 
correct in the application of the principle, as applied to slavery in the 
United States: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." He 
would even have sacrificed this conviction in order to preserve the 
Union. We revere the courage, fortitude, self-denial, and devotion to 
duty of those who wore the gray. We naturally feel more kindly 
toward them, because they were blood of our blood. We suffered with 
them, and we naturally glory in their achievements. We must also 
appreciate the same qualities in those who wore the blue. The record 
made by both armies is now our common heritage. Many veterans of 
the Union army and their relatives and sympathizers have purchased 
property in our State, and are interested in the development of our 
resources. Thousands of relatives of those who wore the blue are vis- 
itors to our State. There is no other Southern State which has better 
reasons for taking the initiative in this matter than Florida. Some have 
said let some Northern State first act toward recognizing some Con- 
federate chieftain. There is no Northern State in which one-tenth 
the reasons exist for such action toward recognizing some Confederate 
chieftain as there exists in Florida for the action recommended. Be- 
sides, Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States. As such 
it was his duty to defend and preserve the Union. Had he lived, he 
would undoubtedly have been in fact, as well as in name, the President 
of the whole United States. His untimely death was a great blow to 
the Southland, and consequently to the United States. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 59 

ASSASSINATION OF LINCOLN 

[Written for the Journal by Captain J. L. Young, of Pensacola, Fla., who 
was present at Ford's Theatre and witnessed the tragedy that doomed to death 
America's greatest statesman, Abraham Lincoln, on April 14, 1865. Captain 
Young was a Federal soldier, and in Washington on official business. In his 
story he has embodied the atmosphere of the hour, the joy and carefree hearts 
of the audience prior to the assassination, and the consternation and anguish 
that followed.] 

(An Extract) 

But about the time of Lincoln's death, after four years of unparal- 
leled struggle, after General Lee, with his army of Confederates had 
on the 9th day of April, 1865, surrendered to General Grant, and 
Johnson was being so closely pursued and pressed by General Sherman, 
it had become evident that the Confederacy could not hold out much 
longer, and that the end was fast approaching. 

Then it was that Booth and his co-conspirators realized that what- 
ever they meant to do must be done quickly. It was determined by 
them as a last desperate hope to assassinate the President of the United 
States and others. This plot was hastily concocted, and mainly planned 
and shaped at the home of Mrs. Mary E. Surratt in Washington, D. C. 

Many were implicated, or had knowledge of the plot, although but 
few were chosen to be active participants. Each of the four or five 
visibly active conspirators had an assigned part to perform. Booth, 
to assassinate the President ; Powell to assassinate Seward, Secretary 
of State; Atzeroth to assassinate Stanton, the Secretary of War; Hur- 
rold was to assassinate another, or assist where most needed. 

The habit of the President to attend the theatre with his family or 
friends on special occasions was well known to the conspirators. They 
also well knew his habit of stopping and chatting a moment with the 
doorkeeper as he entered, and it was at this time and place (the door), 
that Booth first intended to shoot President Lincoln, then hastily to 
reach his horse and escape before the dazed crowd realized the act 
and could give pursuit. While there awaiting the coming of the Presi- 
dent, Booth, who had free entree, passed in and out several times, but 
the President, Mrs. Lincoln, and the two friends being late in arriving, 
were not at the moment observed by Booth, so passed unmolested into 
the theatre, to their usual box, which was in the upper tier on the 
right near the stage. It should be remembered that Booth, while wholly 
unconnected with the play on exhibition, was as familiar with the 
construction and all parts of the theatre, its stairways leading to the 
private boxes, etc., as he was with his own room. During the first 
act of the play Booth twice passed in to the left of the theatre, the 
better to observe and study the details for his work, making careful note 
of the number and position of each occupant of the box. The occupants 
were: The President, Mrs. Lincoln, a lady friend and Major Rathbone. 



6o Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Booth also noticed that the special guard at the door of the President's 
box had left his post, and had gone a short distance away, the better 
to see and enjoy the play. 

Who has not been in assemblages where joy and good feeling so 
prevailed in every heart that they would turn with pleasure to greet 
those nearest, though total strangers? That spirit and feeling seemed 
to permeate the vast audience that night, and it was further assisted and 
dignified by the presence of President Abraham Lincoln, his wife and 
friends, who sat in plain view of the most of the audience. 

Soon after the opening of the second act, when all eyes were attracted 
to the fair star on the stage, and the whisperings of the audience were 
hushed in attention, there came from the rear, just back of Abraham 
Lincoln, stealing with the stealthiness of a merciless tiger, the red- 
handed assassin, J. Wilkes Booth, and fired the fatal ball, which struck 
just back and above the left ear, penetrating and lodging in the active 
brain of Abraham Lincoln. 

The clear, ringing, wicked report of the assassin's pistol pierced to 
every heart, none knowing the cause, until with rapid stride and the 
litheness of the panther, the murderer sprang to the front of the box 
and over the low railing, down to the stage, twelve feet below. In the 
descent his spurred and booted heel caught and rent the beautiful flag 
that graced the President's box. The steel spur thus catching caused 
the assassin to alight with most of his weight on one foot, breaking a 
bone in one leg below the knee. Notwithstanding this injury, he im- 
mediately recovered his feet, and facing the audience with glittering 
knife in unlifted hand, assumed a tragical posture, and in tones of hatred 
and cruelty cried "Sic semper tyrannis!" He then, like a spirit of 
darkness, turned and disappeared behind the curtains and scenery on 
the stage. That was the last the audience saw of Booth as he hur- 
riedly sought the rear, mounted his horse and fled. 

The dastardly deed was done. The tragedy enacted quicker by 
far than tongue can tell. And the assassin had disappeared even while 
the yet smoking pistol's report rang in the ears of the audience and 
echoed through the auditorium. The thousands present sat still, not 
comprehending the awfulness of the tragedy enacted in their presence. 

With awe we may see the lightning's flash, almost feel its scorching 
breath, behold its crushing power as it rends the mighty oak of the 
forest, yet a few moments will elapse ere we fully comprehend its might 
and power. So it was in Ford's Theatre that night. We heard the 
pistol's sharp report, saw the tiger-like spring and the meteoric plunge 
of Booth to the stage below, the fall, the recovery, the tragical posture, 
the denunciation and the disappearance all. All done before the eye, or 
the mind, could clearly comprehend the deed. A full description or pen 
picture of it is impossible. No poet can describe it, no painter's brush 
depict it. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 6i 

Suddenly the agonized cry of a woman's voice pierced our ears, 
quickly followed by Miss Laura Keene, the " star " of the play, spring- 
ing to the front of the stage, and announcing in clear, yet quavering 
tones that the President was shot, and that J. Wilkes Booth did it. 
Then as quick almost as the lightning's flash, the mind's mystic veil was 
rent. The spell was broken. Comprehension became clear; and with 
the suddenness of an electrical shock or bursting shell, the audience 
sprang to its feet and like the irresistible wave of a mighty flood, 
swept over bench and chair, some to the doors, some to the stage, 
some to reach the President's box, and some pursued the assassin; 
each with the single thought to catch Booth. But all their efforts were 
in vain, for on a swift horse he had fled, and for the time escaped. 
Zealously, ceaselessly, we pursued vain trails, searched through almost 
unknown and impossible places, and sought out the mysteries of cave, 
cavern and dome. 

In the theatre were left, strewn over seat and floor, scores of articles, 
hats, handkerchiefs, fans, gloves, canes, purses and many things of 
value. 

Strong hands had tenderly borne the broken body across the street, 
then in deep sorrow stood with helpless hands around the martyr's bed. 

For a few brief hours millions of persons felt that, as " mercy " had 
been foully slain, now the mailed hand of " justice " should take its 
place. But wiser counsel soon prevailed, and Mercy again assumed her 
place. 

In sorrow inexpressible and deep, the nation wept with the crushed 
and stricken wife, and millions with living faith, prayed for the life 
of him, who, through all those years of strife, had with unfaltering 
trust in God and right guided the nation. 

A few brief weeks had scarce elapsed since he was in health and 
filled with faith and hope, had in the presence of thousands of his 
fellowmen expressed that imperishable utterance and prayer, which 
echoed in the hearts of millions of loyal Americans, and shields and 
saves : 

" With malice towards none, with charity to all, I will go forward 
and do the right as God gives me light to see the right." 



62 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 



The weary form, that rested not, 

Save in a martyr's grave; 
The care-worn face that none forgot, 

Turned to the kneeling slave. 

We rest in peace, where his sad eyes 

Saw peril, strife and pain; 
His was the awful sacrifice, 

And ours, the priceless gain. 

— ^JoHN G. Whittier. 




j^aaassis-*'' 



ox YOKE MADE BY LINCOLN WHEN HE WAS NINETEEN YEARS OLD 
(Now in the possession of the University of Illinois^ 




LINCOLN MONUMENT AND TOMB, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. 





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Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 71 



ILLINOIS 

THE FAREWELL ADDRESS AT SPRINGFIELD, ILL., ON 
LEAVING FOR WASHINGTON, D. C. 

My Friends: No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling 
of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these 
people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and 
have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been 
born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when or whether 
ever I may return, with a task before me greater than that which 
rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being 
who ever attended him, I can not succeed. With that assistance, I can 
not fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, 
and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be 
well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you 
will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell. 



INDIANA 



State of Indiana, 
Executive Department. 



A proclamation : 

On the I2th day of February, 1809, there came into the world a boy 
who was afterwards to become a martyr-president of the United States, 
and the first really great American citizen. No one who takes pride 
in the history of this country can hear the name of Abraham Lincoln 
mentioned without a quickened pulse and a firmer resolve to be true 
to the great principles of American citizenship, to that divine ideal of 
the equality of all men before the law, for which Lincoln strove, and 
fought, and died. Without being sacrilegious, I think a great many men 
have wondered whether the blood that flowed from his veins as his 
life ebbed away was indeed blood, and not the ichor of the immortal 
gods. There was an hour when partisanship set Lincoln to one side as 
being the exclusive property of a political organization. That hour 
has now passed and he has become, in the fulness of time, the one 
bright particular star which shines in the firmament of constitutional 
liberty. 

I request, therefore, that the citizens of this state, regardless of 
political affiliations, observe the 12th day of February, 1909, as a spe- 
cial holiday in commemoration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of 
the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, and as an hour and occasion upon 
which every right-minded man should again rededicate his life, his 



72 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

fortune and his sacred honor to the maintenance of that divine prin- 
ciple upon which rests our republic — the equality of all men before the 
law. 

Done at the Capitol in Indianapolis, and given under my hand and 
the GREAT SEAL of the State, this 20th day of January, in the year of 
our Lord nineteen hundred nine, in the year of the Independence of 
the United States of America the one hundred thirty-third, and in the 
year of the admission of the State of Indiana the ninety-third. 

Thomas R. Marshall, 

Governor of the State of Indiana. 
By the Governor: 
Fred A. Sims, 
Secretary of State. 

IOWA 

A proclamation by the governor: 

The General Assembly has patriotically written into the Statutes of 
our state an act providing that the Anniversary of the birthday of our 
martyred President, Abraham Lincoln, be made a legal holiday. This 
legislative enactment is significant of the place which this great Ameri- 
can holds in the hearts of our people. The memory of Lincoln and 
his deeds of patriotism are firmly fixed in the minds of all loyal Ameri- 
can citizens. The story of his life, his struggle with ambition and with 
poverty, his wonderful administration of affairs in times of divisive 
strife, the sacrifice of his own life as a final gift to the cause of the 
union, are well-known tales of every fireside. With his death our na- 
tion was forced to undergo its greatest sorrow and North and South 
alike knelt at the tomb of Lincoln, bowed in grief and tears. His 
great deeds have been inscribed on the indestructible pages of our 
history. The principles advocated and promulgated by him form the 
firm foundations of our present union. 

Therefore it is meet that the people of Iowa and of the nation place 
upon Memory's shrine the tributes of grateful and loving consideration 
and 

Whereas, we are approaching the centennial Anniversary of the 
birth of this great American, it is not only fitting that we as a patriotic 
and grateful people, do recall the life, the deeds and the death of 
Abraham Lincoln, but it is right and proper that we acknowledge the 
debt of gratitude we owe to this great statesman and liberator, in the 
preservation of American liberty. 

Therefore, I, B. F. Carroll, Governor of Iowa, do most earnestly 
recommend that, Friday, February 12, 1909, shall be set aside in com- 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 



73 



memoration of the life and deeds of Abraham Lincoln, and that his 
memory be honored in fitting services, and that the patriotic societies, 
the Civic Organizations, the Churches and the Schools, unite in rev- 
erent unanimity to pay tribute to the life and character of our mar- 
tyred President, Abraham Lincoln. 

I further recommend that inasmuch as the G. A. R. organizations of 
the state, through the proper officers thereof, have already planned 
Lincoln Memorial Exercises in so far as is convenient the people in 
general join with this loyal and patriotic association in the first observ- 
ance of this legal holiday, the centennial of the birth of President Lin- 
coln. 

In witness whereof, I have here- 
unto set my hand and caused to 
be affixed the Great Seal of the 
I- ■' State of Iowa. 

Done at Des Moines this 26th day 
of January, A. D. 1909. 

B. F. Carroll, 

Governor of Iowa. 

By the Governor: 

W. C. Hayward, 

Secretary of State. 



KANSAS 



State of Kansas, 
Executive Department. 

To the People of Kansas, Greeting: 

The Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln occurs 
on February 12th, this year. It is fitting that the State of Kansas, 
a Lincoln State, a State which in a large measure owes its life, its 
freedom and its early glory to Lincoln, should celebrate his memory 
in some suitable manner on that day. Lincoln shares with Washing- 
ton the affection of all loyal Americans. The Father of his Country 
and the savior of his country are associated together wherever the 
fires of patriotism are kindled to commemorate the world's greatest and 
best. 

At the suggestion of the Grand Army of the Republic, I recommend 
that on the Anniversary of the birth of Lincoln, the churches, the 
public schools, the patriotic societies and the general public commem- 
orate with suitable ceremonies the character, the statesmanship and 



[seal] 



74 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

the sacrifice of our martyred President who guided the nation through 
the dangers and difficulties of the great Civil War. 

In testimony whereof, I have here- 
to subscribed my name and 
caused to be affixed the Great 
Seal of the State of Kansas. 
Done at Topeka, this 30th day 
of January, 1909. 

W. R. Stubbs, 

Governor. 
By the Governor: 
C. E. Denton, 

Secretary of State. 



Emporia 

Elaborate services were held at the hall known as the wigwam of the 
Patriotic Society of Red Men. 



Societies Present 

P. B. Plumb Post, 55, G. A. R. 

Hancock Post, 464, G. A. R. 

Plumb Corps, 70, W. R. C. 

Ladies of the G. A. R. 

Sons of Veterans and its auxiliary. 

The Ladies' Circle. 

Patriotic Society of Red Men. 



Exercises 

Address by Mayor Globfelter presiding. 

Prayer by President Hill of Kansas State Normal School. 

Address by President H. Coe Culbertson, College of Emporia. 

Address by Attorney W. S. Kretsinger. 

Address by Miss Donica. 

Music by the College Glee Club, directed by Etta Dent Cravens. 

Address by Judge Graves. 








LINCOLN S BIRTHPLACE 
" He touched the log cabin, and it became the palace in which greatness was nurtured " ■ 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 77 



KENTUCKY 

Commonwealth of Kentucky 
lincoln day proclamation: 

To Kentucky and All of our People: 

The State Government recommends the people in every neighborhood 
in Kentucky to display the flag of our country and assemble in their 
respective communities to do honor to the memory of Abraham Lin- 
coln, on Friday, February twelfth of this year 1909, the One Hun- 
dredth Anniversary of his birth, and that his first inaugural address and 
the Gettysburg oration be read at all the meetings. The life of Abra- 
ham Lincoln was so wholly devoted to mankind, so sacredly free from 
selfishness, and he was so truly a noble representative of all that is 
dearest, truest and best in humanity, in all his grand work as a leader of 
the nation in her greatest trial, and martyr in the cause of the freedom of 
man, that it will be an honor to all that is best in us to pay this respect. 

The President of the United States will journey from Washington 
to Kentucky to deliver an address on that day at the farm on which 
Abraham Lincoln was born, and many distinguished visitors from sis- 
ter States, and many of our people will journey to the farm to be 
present. For the many who cannot make this journey, the appeal is 
made to lay aside the everyday cares and work, and give the time needed 
for the proper observance of the day and renewal of our love and 
thankfulness. 

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the 
great seal of the State of Kentucky to be affi.xed this second day of 
February, 1909. 

(Signed) Augustus E. Willson. 
By the Governor: 
Ben L. Bruner, 

Secretary of State. 

Remarks at the laying of the corner-stone of the marble Memo- 
rial, erected to shelter the cabin in which Lincoln was born 
at Hodgensville, Ky. 

LINCOLN'S QUALITIES NEEDED NOW 

We of this day must try to solve many social and industrial problems 
requiring to an especial degree the combination of indomitable resolution 
with cool-headed sanity. We can profit by the way in which Lincoln 
used both these traits as he strove for reform. We can learn much 



78 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

of value from the very attacks which following that course brought 
upon his head, attacks alike by the extremists of revolution and by 
the extremists of reaction. He never wavered in devotion to his 
principles, in his love for the Union and in his abhorrence of slavery. 
Timid and lukewarm people were always denouncing him because he 
was too extreme; but, as a matter of fact, he never went to extremes. 
— President Theodore Roosevelt. 

Secretary of War Wright paid an eloquent tribute to Lincoln's 
understanding of the people of the South and his sincere desire for 
peace and speedy reconciliation after the Civil War. He called at- 
tention to the fact that Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis were 
born in the same state. 

" In reading the public utterances of Mr. Lincoln during the period of 
bitter discussion nothing has impressed me more than the singular 
clearness of his perception that the responsibility for slavery rested 
upon all our people and was a burden which should be borne by all 
alike," said the secretary. " There was a temperance of statement, a 
respect for the opposite point of view and a moderation in his position 
which, when the excitement of the time is considered, is most ex- 
traordinary and must commend our admiration. 

" He sincerely believed in an indissoluble Union. He sincerely be- 
lieved that slavery was a curse and a great moral wrong; and in be- 
lieving thus he was right." — Hon. Luke Wright, Secretary of War, 



MAINE 

CHAPTER 7 

An Act setting apart Lincoln Day, February twelfth, nineteen hundred 

and nine, as a holiday. 

Whereas, The President of the United States has recommended that 
February twelfth, nineteen hundred and nine, the One Hundredth An- 
niversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, be observed as a National 
Holiday, and such action has already been taken by several of the 
state legislatures, and 

Whereas, A proper observance of that day as a holiday will by 
stimulating patriotism make for the peace and safety of the state and 
country, and 

Whereas, By an act approved on February second, nineteen hun- 
dred and nine, purporting to be an emergency measure and to take 
effect when approved, said day was made a state and bank holiday, but 
said act as drawn and passed cannot take effect until ninety days after 
the recess of the legislature, but said act is believed by many persons 




THE MEMORIAL BUILDING TO BE ERECTED ON THE LINCOLN FARM 
HODGENSVILLE, KY. 

The comer-stone of this edifice was laid by the President, February 12, on the one hundredth anniversary of 

Lincoto's birth. It n-ill be completed within a year, and dedicated by Mr. Tatt twelve months hence. The log 

cabin in which Lincoln was born, and which originally stood on the very spot where the Memorial is now being 

erected, will be housed within these granite walls, to be kept for all time as a national relic. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 8 1 

to have taken effect and as a result presentment of notes and bills 
of exchange may be deferred and great loss thus occasioned, and 

Whereas, in the opinion of the legislature the facts above set forth 
create an emergency making it immediately necessary for the preserva- 
tion of the public peace and safety that an act be passed making Feb- 
ruary twelfth, nineteen hundred and nine, a state and bank holiday, so 
that the same may go into effect on approval, therefore, 

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine, as follows: 

Section i. February twelfth, nineteen hundred and nine, is hereby 
declared to be a state and bank holiday, to be known as Lincoln Day, 
and shall be observed by the schools of the state in a manner appropri- 
ate to the occasion. 

Approved February ii: 

Bert M. Fernald, 

Governor. 

MARYLAND 

PROCLAMATION BY GOVERNOR: 

Whereas, Having been requested by a large number of prominent 
citizens of the State to proclaim Friday, February 12, 1909, a legal 
holiday in Maryland in commemoration of the One Hundredth Anni- 
versary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln; and 

Whereas, Fully appreciating the fact that he was a conspicuous 
figure in a trying time in our Nation's history and recognizing his 
high character and statesmanship, 

Now, THEREFORE, I, AuSTIN L. CrOTHERS, GOVERNOR OF THE StATE 

OF Maryland, under and by virtue of the power and authority vested 
in me by Section 9 of Article 13 of the Code of Public General Laws 
of Maryland, do hereby declare and proclaim Friday, the I2th day of 
February, 1909, a legal holiday throughout the State of Maryland, 
and I recommend that the same be observed as such by the general 
cessation of the usual business occupations. 

In TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have 

hereunto set my hand and caused 

the Great Seal of the State to 

[the great SEAL OF MARYLAND] be hereto affixed at the City of 

Annapolis, this second day of 
February, 1909. 



By the Governor: 

N. WiNSLOw Williams, 

Secretary of State. 



(Signed) Austin L. Crothers. 



82 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Extract from report of Charles N. Emrich, Department Patriotic 
Instructor G. A. R. 

Lincoln Centennial Services were generally observed by the Grand 
Army of the Republic. 

Not only in the City of Baltimore, but nearly every little town held 
services. 

In Baltimore the seven " White " Posts held services in the after- 
noon and the Posts of Colored Comrades, Nos. 7, 16, 19 and 23, in the 
evening. 

Addresses were made by Judge Thomas I. Elliott of the Supreme 
Court; E. C. Irian, Division Commander, Sons of Veterans; Rev. 
Arthur L. Johnson, a son of a veteran, and Rev. Mr. Hill, pastor of 
Bethel A. M. E. Church. 

Music by a choir of twenty boys. 

Robert Sunstrom, Department Commander G. A. R., and staff, and 
Alvira Brisco, Department President W. R. C, and her staff attended 
both services. 

An abstract of the address of Judge Thomas Ireland Elliott. 

And there was that in him (Lincoln) which defied the flings and 
arrows of outrageous fortune and bore him on to victory. And yet 
trials beget courage, and that love for and confidence in the common 
people which sustained him at all times, and helped him bear at all 
times the mighty burden of a people's woe. 

Lincoln was heart and body opposed to slavery. On board a boat 
on a trip down the Mississippi in 1841, he wrote to Joshua Speed: 
" There were ten or a dozen slaves shackled together with irons. The 
sight was a continual torment to me, for I see something like it every 
time I touch the Ohio or other slave border. It is not fair for you to 
assume that I have no interest in a thing which has and continually 
exercises the power of making me miserable." 

To the Boys in Blue Abraham Lincoln was an inspiration. When 
they were defeated he was sadder than his wont; when they were 
victorious he shared their joy. To the Boys in Gray he was unknown, 
save as he had been pictured to them as all that was mean and despicable. 
But you and they have learned to agree in respect and love for the 
man who, when the time came in the full glory of an accomplished task 
— the salvation of his nation from disruption — laid down his life for his 
country. 

One of the few immortal names that were not born to die. 

It seems to me worthy of note that on the very day on which Presi- 
dent Lincoln was stricken, the flag which had been lowered from the 
ramparts of Fort Sumter four years before, by Major Robert Ander- 




JULIA WARD HOWE 

Her Soul is now resplendent in the glory of her God; 

Whose spirit's crossed the threshold which Christ, her Lord, has trod; 

Her voice is now uplifted to spare the chastening rod. 

For us. while following on. 



As He died to make men holy, so she sang to make men free; 
As souls are void of color, she gave her testimony, 
And the "well done" of her Master echoes through Eternity, 
As we go following on. 



Franklin Irving Brown. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 85 

son, Abraham Lincoln's superior officer in the Black Hawk War, was 
run up again to the top of the halyards, as the emblem of a re- 
united land. 

To-day that flag floats " known and honored throughout the earth, 
still full high advanced, its arms and trophies streaming in all their 
original lustre, not a stripe erased or polluted, not a single star ob- 
scured, bearing on all its ample folds as they float over the sea and 
over the land, and in every wind under the whole heavens, that senti- 
ment dear to every true American heart. Liberty and Union, now and 
forever, one and inseparable." 

And on this day (Feb. 12, 1909), wherever that flag floats, the Ameri- 
can people, North, South, East, West, over this broad earth, are com- 
ing together in reverential affection to lay their wreaths at the feet 
of the man who amply in his life and by his death fulfilled the Scripture 
measure : 

" Greater love hath no man than this. 
That he should lay down his life for his friend." 

MASSACHUSETTS 

A PROCLAMATION BY GOVERNOR EBEN S. DRAPER: 

In 1905 the Legislature provided that the Governor should annually 
issue a proclamation setting apart the twelfth day of February as Lin- 
coln Day. 

This year is the One Hundredth Anniversary ef Lincoln's birth, and 
not merely in Massachusetts, but throughout the whole country, proper 
observances commemorating his great life are to be held. In this Com- 
monwealth I am sure much more notice will be taken of the day than 
at any previous time and I believe it is well that it should be so. I 
trust, however, that the usual services in commemoration of the day 
will be held. 

Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest men of our country and 
of the world. Being denied all the advantages of an early education, 
he surmounted every obstacle and became learned in the law, eloquent 
in speech and a master of classic English ; but what made him really 
great was his large heart and marvelous judgment. He realized that 
this country could not live half free and half slave and was willing to 
make any sacrifice of blood and treasure that was necessary to pre- 
serve the Nation. In doing this he was so great that, although the 
head of a large army carrying on a tremendous war, he never had an 
unkind feeling toward those on the other side. 

Had he not been blessed with a great sense of humor, it does not 
seem possible that he could have lived through the terrible trials of 
the great conflict. 



86 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

It is most fitting, therefore, that exercises in his memory should be 
carried out in all proper ways. 

It is especially important that exercises should be held in our pub- 
lic schools commemorating his life and career, so that the children who 
are being educated as the American citizens of the future may have 
an opportunity to learn of his character and greatness, that his life 
may be an example for them to follow. 

Eben S. Draper. 
By His Excellency the Governor: 
William M. Olin, 

Secretary of the Commonwealth. 

God save The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 



LINCOLN DAY POEM 

[Written by Mrs. Julia Ward Howe in her 90th year, and read by her at the 
Symphony Hall (Boston) celebration of the looth anniversary of the birth of 
Abraham Lincoln, Feb. 12, 1909.] 

Through the dim pageant of the years 
A wondrous tracery appears ; 
A cabin of the Western wild 
Shelters in sleep a new-born child. 

Nor nurse, nor parent dear can know 
The way those infant feet must go; 
And yet a nation's help and hope 
Are sealed within that horoscope. 

Beyond is toil for daily bread, 
And thought, to noble issues led, 
And courage, arming for the morn 
For whose behest this man was born. 

A man of homely, rustic ways, 
Yet he achieves the forum's praise, 
And soon earth's highest meed has won, 
The seat and sway of Washington. 

No throne of honors and delights; 
Distrustful days and sleepless nights 
To struggle, suffer and aspire, 
Like Israel, led by cloud and fire. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 87 

A treacherous shot, a sob of rest, 
A martyr's palm upon his breast, 
A welcome from the glorious seat 
Where blameless souls of heroes meet; 

And, thrilling through unmeasured days, 
A song of gratitude and praise; 
A cry that all the earth shall heed. 
To God, who gave him for our need. 

Much is due to the industry of Charles S. Parker, Patriotic 
Instructor, Department of Massachusetts, G. A. R., the com- 
poser of the Invocation adopted by the National Committee of 
Lincoln Centenary for the schools' program for the State-wide 
observance of the day. He prepared a superior Lincoln Centen- 
nial Day Exercise for the schools and distributed it throughout 
the Commonwealth with lavish plenty. The editorials of the 
Arlington Press, of which Mr. Parker is proprietor, published 
before and after the anniversary were sublime in thought, clear 
in statement and inspiring. 

At Arlington six schools had full programs, eloquent ora- 
tors ; devout clergyman ; proficient recitationist ; masterful read- 
ers and patriotic choristers rendered the literary feast beyond 
compare. 

The celebration at the Town Hall of Lexington kindled anew 
the patriotic ardor for which the town is notorious in history. 
Under the auspices of the Lexington Historical Society, repre- 
sented by a committee of its members, it could not have been 
otherwise. 

The recitation, " Abraham Lincoln," of Noah Davis, one of 
the numbers of the schools' program, is entitled to a page in 
every volume of Lincolniana. 

Recitation: " Abraham Lincoln " Noah Davis 

Almost a hundred years ago, in a lonely hut 
On the dark and bloody ground of wild Kentucky, 
A child was born to poverty and toil. 
Save in the sweet prophecy of mother's love, 
None dreamed of future fame for him ! 
'Mid deep privation and in rugged toil, 
He grew unschooled to vigorous youth. 



88 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

His teaching was an ancient spelling book, 

The Holy Writ, " The Pilgrim's Progress," 

Old "^sop's Fables" and the "Life of Washington"; 

And out of these, stretched by the hearthstone flame. 

For lack of other light, he garnered lore 

That filled his soul with faith in God; 

The Prophet's fire, the Psalmist's music deep, 

The Pilgrim's zeal throughout his steadfast march. 

The love of fellow-man as taught by Christ, 

And all the patriot faith and truth, 

Marked the Father of our Land ! 

And these, in all his after life, in thought 

And speech and act, resonant concords were in his great soul. 

And God's elect, he calmly rose to awful power ! 

Restored his mighty land to smiling peace; 

Then, with the martyr blood of his own life, 

Baptized the millions of the free ! 

Henceforth the ages hold his name high writ 

And deep on their eternal rolls. 

Recitation: "The Volunteer Defenders of the Flag" Ingcrsoll 

" The soldiers of the republic were not seekers after vulgar glory. 
They were not animated by the hope of plunder or the love of con- 
quest. They fought to preserve the homestead of liberty and that 
their children might have peace. They were the defenders of humanity, 
the destroyers of prejudice, the breakers of chains, and in the name 
of the future they slew the monster of their time. They finished what 
the soldiers of the revolution commenced. They relighted the torch 
that fell from their august hands and filled the world again with light. 
They blotted from the statute book laws that had been passed by hypo- 
crites at the instigation of robbers and tore with indignant hands from 
the constitution that which made men the catchers of their fellow men. 
They made it possible for judges to be just, for statesmen to be hu- 
mane, and for politicians to be honest. They broke the shackles from 
the limbs of slaves, from the souls of masters, and from the northern 
brain. They kept our country on the map of the world, and our flag in 
heaven. They rolled the stone from the sepulchre of progress, and found 
therein two angels clad in shining garments — nationality and liberty. 
Let us gratefully remember those who died where lipless famine mocked 
at want ; all the maimed whose scars give modesty a tongue ; all who 
dared and gave to chance the care and keeping of their lives; all the 
living and all the dead; Sherman, Sheridan, and Grant, the laureled 
soldier of the world, and Lincoln, whose loving life, like a bow of 
peace, spans and arches all the clouds of war." 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 89 

Extract from a report by J. Payson Bradley, Past Commander 
Department of Massachusetts, G. A. R., and a member of 
National Committee on Lincoln Centennial. 

In Boston the celebration was in charge of a City committee of 
twenty-five, of which I had the honor of being the secretary. We cov- 
ered the entire city, and the press and people acknowledged the cele- 
bration one of the most notable ever given in Boston. I enclose you 
the program of the chief function as given in Symphony Hall, and 
when I tell you that this was only one of at least ten other similar 
affairs you get some idea of the work we laid out and accomplished. 

We also had special celebrations (under this same committee) in all 
the schools of the city and it was calculated that during the day and 
evening over 200,000 people were present and took part in a heart- 
felt tribute to Abraham Lincoln. 

Two notable features of the Boston program were the poem 
by Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, and the oration by former Secre- 
tary of the Navy, Hon. John D. Long. 



MICHIGAN 

A PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR: 

To the People of the State of Michigan : 

Abraham Lincoln, one of the gentlest, greatest characters the world 
has ever known, came into being in a humble Kentucky home just a 
century ago. Born February 12, 1908, he was of the common people 
whose interests he ever guarded and whose rights he defended to the 
end. 

Destined to serve as chief executive of this Nation through the years 
of its greatest trial, he rendered his country a service that has no 
parallel. 

The people of this state and country will be better able to do their 
full duty as citizens if they take time to do special honor to the memory 
of the Great Emancipator on the occasion of the One Hundredth An- 
niversary of his birth. In the performance of this loving service they 
will benefit themselves by learning anew the lesson of this great life 
and thus come to a greater appreciation of privileges they enjoy and 
of the sacrifices of those who preserved for them this government and 
all the benefits it confers upon even the humblest citizen of our country. 

To the end that the people of Michigan may give special thought to 
this important matter, I call upon them to make special observance of 



90 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

the One Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln and 
on the twelfth day of February to participate in exercises which will 
impress them with the lessons of the great life which was of such in- 
estimable value to this Nation and to the cause of freedom everywhere. 

In testimony whereof, I have 
hereunto set my hand and caused 
the Great Seal of the State to 
[seal] be afifixed at Lansing, this twenty- 

sixth day of January, in the year 
of Our Lord, one thousand nine 
hundred and nine. 

Fred M. Warner, 
Governor. 
By the Governor: 

Frederick C. Martindale, 
Secretary of State. 



LINCOLN AND HIS MOTHER 

By Frank Gates Ellett 

Mason, Mich. 

This day, a hundred years back, reaching 

To cabin home on frontier wild, 
Calls to our pride, our waste, our comforts, 

" Behold the mother and her child ! " 
Oft to the stars, God's great night school, 

The mother turns her noble face, 
Imploring aid from the Eternal, 

Especial gifts of Truth and Grace. 

Praying God to bless her children 

As she had prayed — her child unborn — 
" A son in all things true and noble. 

Friend of the weak, of all who mourn, 
Brave in toil, his task completing, 

God-like leader, liberty the strife. 
Though a thousand foes beset him. 

While rolling back the gates of life." 

All her world was void of pleasure, 
Her way was set 'mid need and fear, 

She had no couch nor robes of comfort, 
No dainty morsels or good cheer, 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 91 

Neither laces nor the flannels, 

Snowy garments free from soil, 
Naught about that lowly cabin, 

To ease the heavy load of toil. 

Yet the cabin, shrined in marble, 

Son and mother's tribute shares. 
Souls upreaching to the Highest, 

He the answer to her prayers. 
Soul from soul the good begetting. 

Her son dispelled a nation's fear, 
And his name, " The Emancipator," 

Confederated earth shall cheer. 



For the world shall grow more kindly. 

And lay aside all deadly strife 
As it learns the sad, sweet story. 

Of our Lincoln's noble life. 
And our people, free and happy, 

Foremost nation of all lands. 
Shall ne'er forget the noble mother. 

Who bore a Lincoln on her hands. 



LIKE UNTO MOSES 
Anonymous 

From an address delivered at Freeland, Mich. 

As an example of unselfish devotion to duty and to the cause of an 
oppressed people, Moses stands conspicuously among the benefactors 
of the world. The people of Israel had reached the last stage of their 
journey. Only Jordan lay between them and Canaan. The Promised 
Land! How ardently had he looked forward to it. How he had 
thought of it by day and dreamed of it by night, and now joy filled 
his heart; the many marches were ended. Home at last. Then came 
the word of the Lord, " Get thee up into the mountain ; look upon 
it and die. Thou mayst not go over." Sadly the prophet obeyed and 
from that silent summit turned his tear-dimmed eyes to the north, and 
south, and west. There lay God's promise fulfilled. There the coming 
greatness of Israel. There the sphere of judges and prophets. There 
the seat of Jerusalem and Jehovah's temple. There was to be born 
Zion's king. There to be opened wide the door of salvation to all the 



92 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

world. As he contemplated the future of his people sorrow gave place 
to joy and the prophet died. 

Through four long, terrible years of bloody strife Lincoln labored 
unceasingly while God was cleansing this nation from the foul and 
damning stain of slavery. At last the cloud of war rolled away, the 
rainbow of peace arched the heavens. Then was he whose soul had 
been deluged with waves of sorrow glad beyond expression. He saw 
the land he loved, cleansed from its disgraceful stain, entering on a 
degree of prosperity and glory never before attained in the world. 
From Appomattox the joyful tidings came forth, the rebellion was ended. 
The Nation rejoiced in a new birth. Then like an electric shock, far and 
wide, the awful message, Lincoln Assassinated ! 

Never in the world's history was a nation so precipitated from the 
heights of joy to the depths of sorrow. Noon and midnight, light and 
darkness meeting without a space between. Men met each other and 
clasped hands in mutual sorrow; the Nation was saved, but it was in 
tears. Then was born a deeper hatred of the vile system that could 
breed such crimes and an invincible determination that it should be 
destroyed forever. Thus does God make even the wrath of man to ac- 
complish his purposes. 

Nor need we too deeply deplore the suddenness of his death. Have 
not thousands fallen in battle? Do not all who fall, if fall they must, 
desire to fall in the hour of victory? It was as if he had died in battle 
and in the hour of victory; and there seemed to be a fitness that he 
should be joined in death with those whom he had been joined in 
warmest sympathy. 

Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land, but he passed 
to a country compared with which that earthly Canaan was but a 
barren desert. Lincoln saw the land of peace, but was not permitted 
to enter; he passed to a peace compared with which the sweetest 
earthly peace is confusion and strife. 

Moses was safe from all his foes, and Abraham Lincoln, until his 
vk'ork was done, was absolutely immortal. The sword was not forged, 
the bullet never molded to harm his life while God encompassed him. 
Moses's people were bondsmen, and he led them to liberty; Lincoln 
opened the prison door and broke the yoke of slavery. 

Moses lives in history. As long as patriotism lasts, as long as this 
government continues the name and memory of Abraham Lincoln will 
live in the hearts of his grateful countrymen with that of Washington 
and they unable to decide which the greater. 

From an Address by Rev. John Gray, Adrian, Mich. 

His (Lincoln's) is a life that teaches to his countrymen and to the 
world that there is no royal road to learning. That there are no rights 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 93 

save those to which all men are born. His life teaches the lesson that 
every man has at birth all the requisites for true greatness. It reveals 
all the latent possibilities of every normal and unstained soul in the 
land. 

Robert Burns is a song immortal to his fellowmen; Shakespeare is 
an immortal classic for all time ; George Washington is a benediction 
to the Republic; but Abraham Lincoln is an inspiration to the race 
that will live as long as the Nation is directed upward. 

Some remarks by Rev. A. W. Wishart, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Some of the qualities of Lincoln were his honesty, courage, faith, 
tenderness, and best of all, his reverence. 

His honesty was of that rare, old-fashioned kind which did not stop 
at the right as proven by law, but that which was measured by justice 
and equity. 

He was courageous, not with that courage which lets the man suc- 
ceed at the cost of another, but the courage to stand for right. 

He was never ashamed of being gentle and tender. 

His faith was strong, and his reverence was his religion. 

He has been called an unbeliever because he rejected types of theol- 
ogy, for he was too great a man to fit into the dogmas which bind 
some, but is not the heritage of the multitude. The secret of his faith 
was in his faith and religion. 



MINNESOTA 

Minneapolis, Minn., Mch. 30, 1909. 

Comrade Allan C. Bake well. 

Chairman Lincoln Centennial Com., 

34 Gramercy Park, New York City. 

Dear Sir and Comrade: The day, February 12, 1909, was very gen- 
erally observed in all parts of Minnesota, in many places with great 
enthusiasm, and in all with exceeding interest. 

Almost without exception the reports of the Post Patriotic Instruc- 
tors which I have received give glowing accounts of gatherings held, 
participated in by the people generally, but conducted as a rule by the 
comrades of the Grand Army. 

In almost all the towns and cities of the State, particular attention 
was given to the children and young people in our Public Schools, and 
in most, if not all, public exercises were held, participated in by the 
pupils themselves, with an interest which promises only good for the 
future. 



94 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

In Duluth the exercises were presided over by our Department Com- 
mander, Comrade M. W. Bates. The two Posts and the Corps and 
Circle connected with them were all present, and citizens generally at- 
tended and listened to a splendid program. 

In St. Paul the large Auditorium was literally packed with a large and 
appreciative audience who enjoyed a fine program of speeches and 
music. This was presided over by the mayor, Mr. D. W. Lawler. 

In Minneapolis the Comrades of the ten Posts with their auxiliary 
Corps attended the exercises, arranged and conducted by the Sons 
and Daughters of Veterans as their guests. 

It was held in Memorial Hall, which was filled to overflowing with 
an enthusiastic audience. 

Hardly a school in either city but was visited by Comrades who 
told the assembled pupils of the trials and sufferings of the great- 
hearted Lincoln, and of his assassination just as the end of the ter- 
rible conflict had come. 

Exercises appropriate to the occasion were also held in many of the 
public halls, and in various churches all over the city, which were 
crowded with enthusiastic audiences, eager to hear all that might be 
said about the great Emancipator. 

The cause of patriotism has received an impetus from this Centen- 
nial beyond our ability to realize. 

Yours in F. C. and L., 

Levi Longfellow, 

Dept. Patriotic Instructor. 

MISSOURI 

Executive Department, State of Missouri 

proclamation : 

I respectfully request that on Friday, the 12th Day of February, 
1909, the citizens of Missouri, in honor of the Centennial Anniversary 
of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, display the American flag and unite 
in patriotic exercises in honor of his memory. 

In doing so, it is well that we should remember that one of the great- 
est treasures a nation can possess is the memory of its great men. 
They belong not only to the generation of which they are a part, but 
they are an inspiration and a strengthening influence to those who come 
after them. Abraham Lincoln illustrates, as no other man in our 
national life illustrates, the possibilities of American citizenship, and 
the highest standard of personal and official service. Born in poverty, 
with but few of the opportunities for education and advancement open 
to every child to-day, he secured the highest position and power that 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 95 

the American people can confer. In official life, he established prin- 
ciples and rules of action which exemplify the highest standards of 
official conduct. And during the most trying period of our national 
life he displayed, as no other man could display, that infinite kindness 
of heart and freedom from prejudice that have made his name honored 
and loved throughout the nation he did so much to preserve. The 
memory of Abraham Lincoln will always remain with the American 
people both as an inspiration and a benediction. 

In addition to the exercises that will be conducted throughout the 
State, I request that there be a general suspension of business, and 
that such patriotic exercises be conducted in the public schools as may 
be appropriate to the occasion. As an observance of the day on the 
part of the State, I have directed that the Executive Offices be closed, 
and that the Adjutant General fire a salute from the State House 
grounds. 

In testimony whereof, I hereunto 
set my hand and cause to be 



[seal] 



affixed the great seal of the 
State of Missouri. Done at the 
City of Jefferson, this 5th day of 
February, A. D. 1909. 
By the Governor: Herbert S. Hadley. 

Cornelius Roach, 

Secretary of State. 

Extract from letter of May 4, 1909, from W. C. Calland, Pa- 
triotic Instructor, Department of Missouri, G. A. R. 

My Dear Bakewell: You have great reason to be proud of the mag- 
nificent results of the Lincoln Centennial. Few events have had a 
fuller reception in the public mind and few events have awakened 
greater sentiments of patriotism. The schools of Missouri almost uni- 
versally observed the day with fitting exercises. Just think of it — 
fifty-six public addresses in St. Louis; twenty in Kansas City; and 
twenty-five in Springfield. 

Yours truly, 

W. C. Calland. 

Extracts from an Address of the Hon. John P. Tracey, twice 
member of Congress, delivered at Springfield, Mo. 

He (Lincoln) accomplished more for his country and more for 
humanity than any other man who lived on this side of the Revolution. 

Loving his fellowman, he sought every opportunity to promote his 
welfare. 



96 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

I have always been of the opinion and hold it still that his patience, 
his truth, his integrity, his patriotism, his manhood, his love of hu- 
manity, his constant manifestation of interest in other's welfare, his 
genial and unselfish helpfulness in their affairs, were the considerations 
which placed him in command of the Ship of State when she was 
seemingly about to be wrecked. 

Delivered before the Confederate camp on Lincoln's Birthday, 
at Springfield, Mo., by X. Hawkins, a Confederate soldier. 

THE CHANGING SCENES IN THE LIFE OF A MAN 

About 100 years ago there lived in a log cabin a man and his wife 
and baby. The man was lean, long and lank. He sat smoking a pipe 
filled with long, green tobacco. The woman had brown hair and dark 
blue eyes. She sat on one side of the fireplace crooning a soft lullaby 
to her baby boy. We see them again when the little boy is about six 
years old. The man is still smoking, the woman is spinning and sing- 
ing soft and low, keeping time to the rhythmic music of the wheel. The 
boy with a piece of charcoal is trying to form the letter " A." This 
scene is away back in the hills of old Kentucky. 

We meet the boy again; he is now a young man and standing erect 
with a pole in his hand on a log raft in the Ohio River, a giant ath- 
lete. We see him with an ax in his hand cutting wood in a lonesome 
cove, pausing every now and then to listen to the drumming of a 
pheasant far away in the hills. 

Again he is a lawyer, the old judge adjourning court to hear him 
tell stories. Again in debate holding his own among the greatest ora- 
tors of the day. In Congress and at last the President of the United 
States conducting a great war, millions of men march at his command. 
His course has been ever upward and has reached the highest posi- 
tion that an American citizen can hold and has concluded a great war 
successfully, and standing thus in the very forefront of mankind, he 
meets his death by an assassin's blow. His name was Abraham Lincoln. 

" The glories of our birth and State, 
Are shadows, not substantial things. 
There is no armour against fate. 
Death lays his icy hands on kings. 
Sceptre and crown must tumble down, 
And in the dust be equal made, 
With poor crooked scythe and spade." 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 97 



Report of Patriotic Instructor, Department of Missouri 

My Dear Comrade Bakewell: At the request of Commander-in-Chief 
Nevius, I send you a somewhat detailed report relative to the observ- 
ance of the " Lincoln Centennial " in Missouri. I am glad to say that 
I believe Missouri stands among the very first in the universal ob- 
servance of the day. 

Several causes led up to the spontaneous observance of " Lincoln 
Day." 

First, the Department of Missouri urged strongly upon the Posts to 
fittingly observe the day. 

Second, The Globe Democrat of St. Louis published a series of 
articles in their Sunday edition, setting forth the life and services of 
Abraham Lincoln. These articles were intensely interesting and true 
to life by fact and illustration. The stories of Lincoln, his public ad- 
dresses, the log cabin, his great debate with Douglas, his political 
history and his legal services, together with his pathetic death — all 
these facts were read and talked over in the homes of the people. These 
articles and facts were copied and reproduced in the State press and 
Lincoln's name was in everybody's mind. 

Third, The admirable proclamation of Governor Hadley, asking the 
people of the State to recognize this Anniversary in their churches 
and schools. 

Fourth, The timely action of the U. S. Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives in making the event a National Holiday, gave still further 
publication of the stirring times of the Civil War. 

Fifth, Coupled with these intluences, the action of 100 Posts of the 
Department G. A. R., in holding public services which were well ad- 
vertised, added much to the inspiration of the day. 

Sixth, Sixty-five churches in the State on February 7th devoted one 
public service to the life and services of Abraham Lincoln; these serv- 
ices still farther advertised the coming event. 

Seventh, those influences prepared the way for entrance into the 
public schools. 

There was great eagerness among the teachers and scholars to sig- 
nalize the day so that in every city in the State, as well as smaller 
hamlets, the " Lincoln Day " was duly observed. Flags galore and 
pictures of the noble hero were everywhere present. Lawyers, minis- 
ters and politicians were drafted into the services, so that public ad- 
dresses were added to the programs of the schools. Music, history and 
poetry — all reproduced the " moving times from Sixty to Sixty-five." 

Perhaps no event could have gathered around it so much of patriotic 
sentiment in the South as the birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Old lines 
of cleavage seemed to be absent and the Southern people vied with 



98 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

others in honoring the great man. Confederate veterans held pubHc 
services and gave public expression to the sentiment, that had " Lin- 
coln lived " the days of reconstruction might have been softened and 
the era of good feeling ushered in earlier. To show the far-reaching 
influence of the day, I need only to relate that the day was observed 
by many Civic Societies. 

The Masonic Fraternity, the Odd Fellows, Literary Societies, and 
many Labor organizations. Every college and normal school in the 
State observed the day and some of them very elaborately. 

The City High Schools and the Ward Schools almost universally 
throughout the State observed the day. With so much doing it was 
but natural that the State press should be filled with the events of the 
day. 

Still another influence that added to the advertisement of the day 
was the dedication of the memorial building on the farm where Lin- 
coln was born in Kentucky and the notable addresses by the President 
and many other eminent men. It was a great day for " Old Glory." 
The trading shops for weeks previous gave a small flag for each pur- 
chase, so that practically every schoolgirl and boy carried a flag. 

With all these services followed a happy and generous state of feel- 
ing. The people talked of war times and assigned to Abraham Lincoln 
a large and warm place in the heart of the Nation. 

The man or men who suggested the observance of this day has 
rendered his country a great service — and that the great Nation could 
stand still one day and pay honor to a patriotic man is a great event. 

Note: Fifty-six addresses were made in St. Louis, Feb. 12th. 

Note: Twenty- four addresses were made in Springfield, Feb. 12th. 

Very truly yours, 

W. C. Calland, 
Department Patriotic Instructor, G. A. R. 



[Circular] 
Office of National Patriotic Instructor, 

LADIES of the GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 15, 1908. 
The I2th day of February next will mark the Centennial Anniversary 
of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, and it is especially fitting that the 
Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic should celebrate the event 
with ceremonies worthy of the occasion. He was the great and wise 
leader who guided to a glorious victory our own loved ones who fought 
for and accomplished the preservation of the unity of our loved country. 
Born amid the humblest surroundings, he rose to the highest position 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 99 

social and political in the nation; reared amid the hardships and pri- 
vations of a frontier life, he imbibed that rugged honesty of purpose 
that endeared him to the high and lowly of every land. 

In the dark days of '62, when the tide of war seemed to set against 
our country's cause, our Boys in Blue looked with renewed courage 
upon the folds of Old Glory and saw his loving face as he gave the 
call for 600,000 more men to its rescue. His life has lighted history's 
horizon with an imperishable brilliancy. His name shines with a daily 
glowing luster. He still lives in the hearts of all true Americans and 
will remain throughout all time an ever-living influence for good and 
be a human uplifter. 

Let our admiration and grateful love cause a glow of enthusiasm 
to be wafted over our entire sisterhood and let us vie with each other 
in doing honor to the memory of the lowly log-cabin boy who rose 
to be the foremost man of all the world, Abraham Lincoln. 

The public schools are the one avenue by which we may reach the 
men and women of to-morrow. The youths of to-day are alive to the 
silent influence of a picture when spoken words may have no effect. 
It is therefore recommended that the portrait of Abraham Lincoln be 
presented to public schools and libraries not already in possession of 
one, so that every boy, as he looks upon the kindly face, may seem 
to feel his friendly hand lifting him upward, and every girl may seem 
to hear him whisper, " Courage." 

I recommend and urge our Patriotic Instructors to offer his por- 
trait or bound volume of his life to pupils of public schools for best 
essays upon various phases in the character of Lincoln. Let subjects 
be assigned. For example : The Elements of Greatness in the Character 
of Lincoln; Lincoln's Simplicity; What did Lincoln do for his Country 
in the Civil War? The Kindly Nature of Lincoln. Other subjects will 
suggest themselves. 

Patriotic Instructors should seek to cooperate with the teachers in 
arranging for these contests, and there should, if possible, be a public 
program of exercises on Lincoln's Birthday, when the essays should be 
read and the prizes awarded. 

It is urged that our Patriotic Instructors and all members of our 
order heartily cooperate with the Comrades of the Grand Army of 
the Republic and all patriotic orders in the celebration of Lincoln's 
Birthday. 

On the occasion of the next Department Convention it is especially 
requested that a portrait of Lincoln (the life size one by St. Gaudens 
is recommended) be publicly presented to the city or public library 
in which the convention is held. It is hoped Patriotic Instructors 
will have the hearty and cordial cooperation of all Department officers 
and sisters in making this feature of work a success. 

Sisters: Let us mark this centennial year of Lincoln's birth with 



100 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

a grand demonstration in his honor and crown the year's work of 
patriotic instruction by presenting to Salt Lake City at our National 
Convention a large oil painting portrait of him. It will not only be a 
silent token of the great work performed by him, but it will be an 
eloquent reminder of the visit and patriotic work of our order. 

In order that such presentation may be made I urgently request 
that liberal donations be made by departments, circles and individuals. 
The size and elegance of the picture will depend upon the amounts 
contributed for that purpose. Send all contributions to the National 
Treasurer, Catharine Ross, No. 2655 Arapahoe street, Denver, Colo- 
rado, who will faithfully receipt for the same and sacredly guard the 
picture fund. 

With a prayer that God may speed us in our work, I am. 
Affectionately yours, 
Approved: Della R. Henry, 

Genevieve H. Longfield Lane, National Patriotic Instructor. 
National President. 



ST. LOUIS RECOGNIZES LINCOLN AT LAST 

St. Louis, Mo., Feb. i^th. 
Editor Journal: 

We have just finished a week of celebration of Lincoln's Centennial 
in the state where the repeal of the " Missouri Compromise " created 
the agitation by which the Republican party was born and which a few 
years later placed Lincoln in the Presidential chair. 

This Anniversary of Lincoln is the first to be officially recognized by 
the Board of Education of St. Loius, and through whom orders were 
given to observe it in all the public schools. This the Grand Army 
organizations have been working for years to accomplish, and feel 
proud that they have at last succeeded. 

Last week's celebration started with an address by Rabbi Leon Har- 
rison in Temple Israel on Sunday, Feb. 7th. Rabbi Harrison is by far 
the cleanest thinker and most eloquent orator in this city, and nearly 
three hundred members of the various Posts turned out in uniform to 
listen to him. 

Rev. Dr. J. E. Meeker, of the Compton Hill Congregational Church, 
delivered a splendid address on Lincoln. His church was turned over 
to the celebration of the Centenary during the entire week. Sunday 
evening Colonel Blodgett spoke reminiscently of Abraham Lincoln. 

Monday night four addresses were given by civilians on Lincoln, the 
Lawyer, the Humorist, the Statesman, the Orator. 

Tuesday night letters were read from prominent people all over the 
world as to their estimate of Lincoln. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln lOi 

Wednesday evening was Ladies' night, at which Mrs. Henry Fair- 
back, president of the Ladies of the G. A. R., presided. 

Thursday night's exercises consisted of messages from ex-Confed- 
erates and an address by Captain McCallough, of the ex-Confederate 
organizations. 

Friday night the church was filled to suffocation on the occasion of 
the Blair Post celebration. On the platform were Col. T. B. Rogers, 
adjutant general of the Department, Col. J. B. Gaudolfo, J. B. Pachall, 
adjutant, Arthur Dreifus, quartermaster, and Past Commander-in- 
Chief, Leo Rassieur, who presided. 



MONTANA 

Executive Office, Helena, Montana. 
January 21, 1909. 

PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR: 

Friday, the twelfth day of February, 1909, will be the One Hun- 
dredth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. 

To the end that this Centennial Anniversary may not pass without 
thought on the part of the people as to what it means in the history of 
the Republic, I earnestly recommend that on the date named fitting 
tribute be paid to the memory of the great patriot and statesman, by 
public meetings and otherwise ; and that in all schools special and ap- 
propriate exercises be held in observance of the day. 

In all assemblages on this day it would be appropriate if reference 
were made to the exemplary private life, the eminent public services 
and the splendid patriotism of this great man. 

Edwin L. Norris, 

Governor. 

NEBRASKA 

State of Nebraska 

lincoln day proclamation: 

Executive Office. 
The name of Lincoln strikes a responsive chord in the breast of every 
true patriot, and inspires to more noble deeds and higher ideals, the 
citizenship of the American republic, Lincoln, a name which stands out 
preeminently in a conflict which not only shook the very foundation 
of our own country, but was felt like a mighty earthquake throughout 
the nations of the earth, Lincoln, the man, who, when the battle for a 



102 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 



principle which concerned all mankind was on, guided it so wisely to a 
triumphant conclusion. 

The life of Abraham Lincoln was dedicated to humanity, ignoring 
all selfishness and laboring against oppression and wrong, a far-seeing 
statesman, a man of the common people, close to the soil, foremost on 
the nation's banner of illustrious citizens, a leader of the nation in her 
hour of peril, and with whose blood was sealed the proclamation of 
universal liberty. 

The name of one who has contributed so generously to the welfare 
of his country in the past should be an inspiration for the future, and 
on this the approaching Centennial Anniversary of his birth, it is but 
fitting that every loyal American Citizen, in the proper observance of 
this national event, should feel it a duty and a privilege, to take some 
part in such exercises as will perpetuate his memory. 

To the end that Nebraska may maintain her patriotic and loyal dis- 
tinction, I hereby respectfully request that on Friday, the Twelfth day 
of February, A. D. Nineteen Hundred Nine, the citizens of Nebraska 
display the flag, and assist all patriotic societies and institutions in their 
efforts to venerate the memory of the lamented Lincoln. 



[seal] 



By the Governor: 
George C. Junkin, 

Secretary of State. 



In testimony whereof, I have 
hereunto set my hand and caused 
the great Seal of the State of 
Nebraska to be affixed. 

Done at Lincoln this i8th day of 
January, A. D. 1909. 

AsHTON C. Shallenberger. 



State of Nebraska, 
The Adjutant General's Office. 

Lincoln, Jan. 18, 1909. 
[Circular No. i] 

I. February 12, 1909, is the Centennial Anniversary of the birth 
of Abraham Lincoln. The life of Abraham Lincoln is an inspiration 
to every human being born under the American flag, as his rise from 
the humblest station to be the chief executive of the United States is 
an illustration of the possibilities of the humblest citizen. Abraham 
Lincoln stands out in American history as the great preserver of the 
Nation, and was the first of our chief executives to fall by the hand 
of an assassin as a reward for the duty he so nobly performed. He is 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 103 

particularly dear to every man who has worn the uniform of a soldier 
of the United States as the greatest commander-in-chief of the grand- 
est army that ever marched beneath the banners of any Nation on earth, 
and it is meet and proper that the National Guard of the State of 
Nebraska should pay tribute to the memory of this great man and 
from his life and achievements draw inspiration and hope. 

2. The Commanding officers of the National Guard will therefore 
report to the Post Commanders of the Local Posts of the Grand Army 
of the Republic for orders and direction in the matter of celebrating 
this Anniversary and will in all things aid and assist in the proper ob- 
servance and celebration of this day. 

3. The flag will be hoisted above all armories and stations of the 
National Guard within the State of Nebraska and remain displayed 
from sunrise until sunset. 

By order of the Governor, 
E. H. Phelps, John C. Hartigan, 

Assistant Adjutant General. Adjutant General. 

LEGISLATORS OBSERVE LINCOLN CENTENARY 

Nebraska Legislators Observe the Day in Fitting Manner With Much 
Oratory. House Adjourns Thursday Evening and Senate Friday 
Morning Out of Respect. 

Lincoln, Neb., Feb. 12. 

Abraham Lincoln's Centennial birth date was recognized in the Ne- 
braska Senate to-day by a session devoted largely to eulogistic ad- 
dresses and adjournment at noon out of honor to his memory. The 
house observed the day by abstaining entirely from work, adjournment 
having been taken Thursday evening until Monday afternoon. 

Following the brief transaction of the routine business of the Senate 
adjournment was taken and the body resolved itself into a meeting to 
do honor to the memory of the great martyred President of the Civil 
War period. There were no frills or feathers about the memorial 
meeting. It was just a simple recital from the lips of those who felt 
called upon to speak of their observation of the effect of Lincoln's life 
upon the generations which have succeeded, a tribute to the patriotism 
and wisdom and heroism of the man. 

RESOLUTIONS PASSED 

Adjournment was taken in the following resolution by Senator 
Ketchum : 

" Resolved, That out of respect to and in honor of the memory of 
Abraham Lincoln, whose public service to the whole world, and partic- 
ularly to the republic of the United States, places him in the front 



104 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

rank among public characters of history, the Senate does hereby ad- 
journ until Monday." 

This was followed by the oral tribute of a number of the members 
who spoke briefly but feelingly of the life and works of Lincoln. 

Senator Ransom spoke of the fitness of honoring the man who " was 
one of the most revered characters that ever lived in the history of 
modern times." He spoke of Lincoln's great diplomacy, his honesty, 
his kindness of heart and his ability to grapple with small questions 
as well as great. 

Senator Wiltse declared that though Lincoln was tall, uncouth, un- 
cultured, rugged, nevertheless his features shine out as the most re- 
vered and the most beautiful of any in the republic. He said that Lin- 
coln was the greatest martyr who has ever appeared upon the stage of 
American history. 

Personal reminiscences were given by Senator Majors, who was a 
lieutenant colonel in one of the Nebraska regiments in the Civil War. 
He said that after the four years of hard strife, when the news of Lin- 
coln's death was borne to him and his comrades, " it seemed that we 
had lost everything for which we had battled. But it showed the 
greatness of the American people that the death of that man did not 
undo the work he had accomplished." 

Colonel Majors told of the part he took as a member of the first Ne- 
braska legislature in making the city that bears the name of Lincoln 
the capital of the state. 



CELEBRATION AT OMAHA, NEB. 

Not since the day in April, 1892, that school children all over the 
land celebrated the " Columbus Day " — a day which none will ever see 
again, have the public schools of Omaha participated in exercises so 
well planned to give each child words and pictures of an event which 
must linger in even the poorest memory for many years to come. 

The recitation began just at 12 o'clock, when the first guns of the 
salute were fired from the cannon on the high school grounds, after 
which the schools were dismissed for the day. 

Fifty citizens of Omaha, most of them trained speakers and those 
familiar with American history, addressed the students in the public 
and parochial schools between the hours of 10.30 and 12 o'clock, these 
addresses being remarkable for the spirit of patriotism which they 
breathed and the keen appreciation of the duty of citizenship which they 
inspired. They were remarkable also because they came alike and 
with equal fervency from men of all political beliefs and religious 
creeds, there being absolutely no line, partisan nor sectarian, but only 
praise for the lofty man whom all admit preserved the American nation. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 105 



WHERE THEY SPOKE 

The following were the speakers at the various public and parochial 
schools : 

High School — General Charles F. Mandersan. 

Bancroft School — John A. Bennewitz. 

Beals School — Rev. Edwin H. Jenks. 

Cass School — Paul Martin. 

Castellar School — C. J. Smyth. 

Central School — T. J. Mahoney. 

Central Park School — Rev. John E. Hummon. 

Columbian School — H. H. Baldridge. 

Clifton Hill School— Dr. C. H. Jenssen. 

Comenius School — F. H. Gaines. 

Druid Hill School— C. W. DeLamatre. 

Dupont School— N. C. Pratt. 

Dundee — A. W. Jeffries. 

Farnhani School — Rabbi Frederick Cohn. 

Forrest School — Rev. Stambaugh. 

Franklin School — W. A. De Bord. 

Kellom School — Rev. W. Stenson. 

Lake School — Edward P. Smith. 

Leavenworth Street School — John P. Breen. 

Lincoln School — Father Gleeson. 

Long School — Frank Crawford. 

Lothrop School — Dean G. A. Beecher. 

Mason School — F. A. Brogan. 

Monmouth Park School — H. P. Leavitt. 

Omaha View School — Rev. J. A. Spyker, 

Pacific School — Father Gannon. 

Park School— Rev. R. Scott Hyde. 

Saratoga School — Father Moriarity. 

Sherman School — E. F. Leary. 

Saunders School — W. O. Detweiler. 

Train School — Rev. W. S. Fulton. 

Vinton School — Dr. Newton Mann. 

Walnut Hill School— C. C. Wright. 

Webster School — L. F. Crofoot. 

Windsor School— Rev. R. B. A. McBride. 

In the downtown district many flags were displayed and the day 
was observed to some extent as a holiday, business houses regretting 
that the movement to make it an absolute holiday in honor of the Lin- 
coln Centennial was not started sooner that the day might have been 
devoted exclusively to the memory of the man. 



I06 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

some thoughts on lincoln expressed by omaha speakers 
By Rev. F. L. Loveland 

He seems like a human rail split out of the heart of an American 
oak, covered with splinters yet sound to the core. 

Three great figures of liberty tower above all others — Moses, Jesus 
and Lincoln. 

Moses was the tallest man on the other side of the cross; Lincoln 
the tallest man on this side of the cross. 

Abraham Lincoln was the miracle of the nineteenth century. 

America has a mighty gallery of great figures — Washington, Jeffer- 
son, Clay, Calhoun, Grant and Sherman, but towering above them all 
is the gaunt figure of Lincoln. 

By Rev. P. A. McGovern 

As long as human thought can be swayed by lofty sentiments and 
noble example, the name of Lincoln will be found conspicuous among 
the world's heroes. 

Lincoln strongly reminds us of Washington, but Washington was 
by nature and birth an aristocrat, while Lincoln was a commoner and 
closer to the people. 

If Washington called the republic into being, Lincoln regenerated it 
and became a second father of his country. 

If the name of Abraham Lincoln is written in large characters among 
the benefactors of the human race because of his Emancipation Procla- 
mation it is likewise engraved in letters of gold in the hearts of every 
true American because he preserved our national integrity. 



NEW HAMPSHIRE 

Report of D. E. Proctor, Patriotic Instructor Department of 
New Hampshire G. A. R. 

The One Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln 
was a red-letter day in the cause of patriotic instruction. It swept the 
country like a cyclone and demonstrated how we all loved him. I 
issued a postal with a request that each Post would report the pro- 
ceedings of the day in their respective towns and Posts. The replies 
were many and so good all over the country that Colonel Bakewell of 
New York, Chairman of the Lincoln Centenary Committee, intends to 
make a full report to the National Encampment at Salt Lake City. He 
informs me that he intends to issue a circular of instruction for the 
compilation. The reports from the towns and cities were all so near 
alike that the report of the Patriotic Instructor for the city of Con- 



'Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 107 

cord will cover all the reports received by me practically. " Your card 
of instruction duly received. I have the honor to report from Post 2. 
Lincoln Day was observed throughout the city by flags and an enthu- 
siastic public service in the Opera House, with speaking by represen- 
tative men. His Excellency the Governor presiding, and in the even- 
ing the G. A. R. gave another entertainment which was attended by 
a large and interested audience. Throughout the city in a great many 
varieties of ways there was manifested a deep feeling of love and 
reverence for the name of Lincoln, which perhaps may be considered 
a pledge of future loyalty to him who must now be considered in many 
ways our greatest American." In many places the school children took 
an important part. Schools were visited by veterans, and his praises 
were sung upon every hand. In many towns where the Posts are small, 
the Woman's Relief Corps, the Sons and Daughters of Veterans have 
taken the initiative and have done their work, not only on Lincoln 
Day, but on every other occasion, with loyal hearts and willing hands. 
We could not live without them; they are the bright and shining lights 
of our very existence and are doing good work along the lines of bet- 
ter living and patriotic endeavor. We close the account with this 
tribute (author unknown): "Lincoln — humble child of the backwoods, 
boatman, axeman, hired laborer, clerk, surveyor, captain, soldier, legis- 
lator, lawyer, debater, orator, politician, statesman, president, saviour 
of the republic, emancipator of a race, true Christian, true man — we 
receive thy life and its immeasurably great results as the choicest gifts 
that a mortal has ever bestowed upon us. Grateful to thee for thy 
truth to thyself, to us and to God, and grateful to that ministry of 
Providence and grace which endowed thee so richly and bestowed thee 
upon this nation and mankind." 

1809 FEB 12 1909 

Let us all rally to the call 

To honor our Nation's best; 
Lincoln the grand, the brave, the true. 

He lives, though now at rest. 

Render to him the praise his due 

For his work so nobly done; 
His faithfulness in every cause; 

His victories bravely won. 

Tell again the oft told story 

That 'round his memory twines. 
Of the book by the flickering pine knot 

In the cabin 'mong the pines. 



io8 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Of his life in the sighing forest, 

Of the splitting of the rails, 
Of his faithful work of farm and home. 

Or tracing Indian trails. 

Honored be the name of Lincoln, 

To us be it ever dear, 
The son of the woods and prairie. 

The man of all the peer. 

Let's " Rally round the flag, boys," 

And keep it strong and fast : 
The flag he loved and saved us. 

Nailed solid to the mast. 

Let's remember long his virtues. 

His kindness and our debt 
And honor well his natal day 
In love " Lest we forget." 

D. E. Proctor, 
Patriotic Instructor, Dept. N. H., G. A. R. 



GOVERNOR QUINBY'S ADDRESS 

New Hampshire to-day joins with other states of our Union in doing 
honor to the memory of Abraham Lincoln on this Hundredth Anniver- 
sary of his birth. He was reared amid privations and poverty; his 
pathway was enveloped in an atmosphere of sadness, his death was a 
sacrifice on the altar of his country and his reward a martyr's crown. 

The first week in March of next year, 1910, will mark the Fiftieth 
Anniversary of Mr. Lincoln's visit to New Hampshire. He came to 
place his son, Robert T. Lincoln, in our famous school — Phillips Exeter 
Academy — but he was prevailed upon to make a few speeches upon the 
questions of the day in the principal cities of the State. He was not 
then a presidential candidate or even a candidate for the presidential 
nomination, but the depth, dignity and power of those addresses con- 
vinced many of his hearers that the next President of the United 
States stood before them. 

Among the many names on the roll of New Hampshire's famous and 
talented sons is that of Judge Noah Davis, who was born in Haverhill, 
this state, in 1818, and died in New York City in 1902. He was a 
friend of Abraham Lincoln, and assisted in his nomination for the 
presidency. Many years ago Judge Davis wrote, in twenty-eight lines 
of blank verse, the life of Lincoln, which historians and critics have 
called as complete as it is concise, as true as it is eloquent. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln in 



NEW JERSEY 

On the twelfth day of February next will occur the One Hundredth 
Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. 

By the law of our State his birthday has been made an annual legal 
holiday; but the coming Anniversary of his birth demands more than 
the customary observance. 

Born in obscurity, when the place of his birth and early manhood, 
that is now a part of the great middle west, was on the frontier of the 
republic, and reared amidst privations and hardships, with few, if any, 
of the advantages now obtainable by the youth of our day, he sur- 
mounted all difficulties and rose by sheer personal merit to the presi- 
dency of the republic and died a martyr's death when but fifty-six years 
of age. 

He stood for freedom and the equality of man. He exemplified the 
pure in personal, domestic and public life. He, as few others ever did, 
had the confidence of the people. He sprang from them, was of them, 
and they loved and honored him. 

His life and work are unique in American history. To recall his 
humble birth, his privations, sacrifices, virtues, utterances, principles 
and public services, is to encourage youth, strengthen the cause of truth 
and right in all men, and to elevate our standards of political honesty. 

Therefore, I, John Franklin Fort, Governor of the State of New 
Jersey, do hereby call upon all municipalities in the State, all public 
organizations, clubs, posts of the Grand Army of the Republic, public 
schools and all civic societies to cause suitable exercises to be arranged 
for on said twelfth day of February next, or near thereto, that the 
memory of this great American may be suitably commemorated; and 
I do further recommend that the clergy of the State shall, either upon 
the Sabbath preceding or succeeding the Anniversary of his birth, de- 
vote one service in their respective places of worship to appropriate 
exercises. 

Given under my hand and seal, at 
the Executive Chamber, in the 
City of Trenton, this eighteenth 
day of January, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand nine hun- 
dred and nine, and of the Inde- 
pendence of the United States the 
one hundred and thirty-third. 

John Franklin Fort. 



[seal] 



By the Governor: 

S. D. Dickinson, 

Secretary of State, 



112 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 



SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION, NO. 3 

Be it Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of 
New Jersey: 

1. That the State House Commission be and they are hereby auth- 
orized to purchase one " Bronze Memorial Tablet " of Abraham Lin- 
coln's Gettysburg Address, together with a bust of the late President, 
such as has been adopted by the National Encampment of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, and place the same in a proper position within 
the State Capitol Building, and that the ceremonies attending the 
formal installation and dedication of both the tablet and the bust be 
conducted under the direction of the Governor and the Commander of 
the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of New Jersey, and, if 
possible, on or about the twenty-second day of February, nineteen hun- 
dred and nine. 

2. That the State House Commission is hereby authorized for this 
purpose to expend Four Hundred Dollars from their appropriation 
for the current year to cover the expenses thereof. 

3. That this resolution shall take effect immediately. 

Approved January 26, 1909, 

John Franklin Fort, 
Governor. 

Office of Patriotic Instructor, 

Newark, N. J., March i, 1909. 

CoL. Allan C. Bakewell, 

New York City. 

My Dear Comrade: In compliance with the orders of the Commander- 
in-Chief I have the honor to report for the Department of New Jersey, 
Grand Army of the Republic, relative to the celebration of the centen- 
nial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln : 

We took up the work of arranging for the celebration very early, 
and to that as much as anything else is perhaps due the great success 
which crowned our efforts. Department Commander John Foran ap- 
pointed a general committee representing all sections of the State. 
On November 12th of last year as Department Patriotic Instructor I 
sent out a circular letter, copies of which are enclosed. We placed 
copies of these two letters in the hands of teachers in public and 
parochial schools all over the State and interested the newspapers and 
boards of education as well as fraternal and other organizations with 
very gratifying results. 

To take up the work properly we found it necessary to secure legis- 
lation to permit the appropriation of money by municipalities to defray 
the cost of celebrations of an official character. The Grand Army Leg- 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 113 

islative Committee of the department went to Trenton the first day of 
the 1909 session and secured as the first laws of this year an act to 
permit appropriations and an act to set aside $400 to place a bust of 
Lincoln in bronze and a marble and bronze tablet bearing the Gettys- 
burg Address in the State House. Thus the work proceeded without 
any great burden on any individual. Newark, for example, promptly 
appropriated $2,000 under the new act and used it in a great celebration 
of the centenary. 

I am in close touch with my Post Patriotic Instructors and for the 
Department I can say that this has been a year of years. We have 
been enabled through the help of the loyal women to place a framed 
photogravure of the Gettysburg Address in hundreds of public and pa- 
rochial schools of the State besides putting a number of the bronze and 
marble tablets in place, in high schools and public buildings. A New- 
ark department store has presented heroic plaster busts of Lincoln to 
all the grammar schools in this vicinity. 

Comrades have visited every school in the State within the last month 
and everywhere they have been made more than welcome. They have 
told the pupils once more the story that soon they must hear from 
other lips. We have found the keenest appreciation among teachers 
and children of the country's cost and the privileges that the sacrifices of 
other days have made possible. We find that the boys and girls of 
to-day in New Jersey schools are learning of the great Lincoln and 
of his Grand Army, of the more than 400,000 men who gave the last 
full measure of their devotion to the Union, of what it cost to purge 
the country and let Old Glory wave over a land where breathes no 
cowering slave and to make this a place where the oppressed and down- 
trodden of earth may find refuge. 

Yours in F. C. & L., 
Uriah Seely, 

Department Patriotic Instructor, 
Department of New Jersey. 



NEW YORK 

WE TALKED OF LINCOLN 

By Edward W. Thomson 

We talked of Abraham Lincoln in the night, 
Ten fur-coat men on North Saskatchewan's plain 
(Pure zero cold, and all the prairie white). 
Englishman, Scotchman, Scandinavian, Dane, 
Two Irish, four Canadians, — all for gain 



114 Centennhl Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Of food and raiment, children, parents, wives. 
Living the hardest life that Man survives, 
And secret proud because it was so hard 
Exploring, camping, axing, faring lean. 
Month in and out no creature had we seen 
Except our burdened dogs, gaunt foxes gray, 
Hard-feathered grouse that shot would seldom slay, 
Slinking coyotes, plumy-trailing owls. 
Stark Indians warm in rabbit-blanket cowls. 
And, still as shadows in their deep-tracked yard. 
The dun, vague moose we startled from our way. 

We talked of Abraham Lincoln in the night 
Around our fire of tamarack crackling fierce, 
Yet dim, like moon and stars, in that vast light 
Boreal, bannery, shifting quick to pierce 
Ethereal blanks of Space with falchion streams 
Transfigured wondrous into quivering beams 
From Forms enormous marching through the sky 
To dissolution and new majesty. 
And speech was low around our bivouac fire, 
Since in our inmost heart of hearts there grew 
The sense of mortal feebleness, to see 
Those silent miracles of Might on high 
Seemingly done for only such as we 
In sign how nearer Death and Doom we drew. 
While in the ancient tribal-soul we knew 
Our old hard-faring Father Vikings' dreams 
Of Odin at Valhalla's open door, 
Where they might see the Battle-father's face 
Glowing at last, when Life and Toil were o'er. 
Were they but stanch-enduring in their place. 

We talked of Abraham Lincoln in the night — 

Oh sweet and strange to hear the hard-hand men 

Old-Abeing him, like half the world of yore 

In years when Grant's and Lee's young soldiers bore 

Rifle and steel, and proved that heroes live 

Where folk their lives to Labor mostly give. 

And strange and sweet to hear their voices call 

Him " Father Abraham," though no man of all 

Was born within the Nation of his birth. 

It was as if they felt that all on Earth 

Possess of right Earth's greatest Common Man, 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 115 

Her sanest, wisest, simplest, steadiest son, 
To whom The Father's children all were one, 
And Pomps and Vanities as motes that danced 
In the clear sunshine where his humor glanced. 

We talked of Abraham Lincoln in the night 
Until one spoke : " We yet may see his face," 
Whereon the fire crackled loud through space 
Of human silence, while eyes reverent 
Toward the auroral miracle were bent. 
Till from that trancing Glory spirits came 
Within our semicircle round the flame. 
And drew us closer-ringed, until we could 
Feel the kind touch of vital brotherhood 
Which Father Abraham Lincoln thought so good. 



Headquarters Department of New York, 
Grand Army of the Republic, 
Capitol, 

Albany, N. Y., December 23, 1908. 
[General Orders No. 6] 

I. The Centennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln will occur on 
the I2th day of February, 1909. Suitable observance of that day 
should be held throughout the Department. In accordance with a 
resolution passed by the 42nd National Encampment, the Committee 
appointed by the Commander-in-Chief has published a program for the 
guidance of other committees. The Department Commander in ac- 
cordance with instructions has appointed the following comrades a 
Committee to arrange for a suitable celebration in this Department 
in commemoration of the day. 

Every County within this Department is represented on this Com- 
mittee. It is recommended that in counties where there is a Memorial 
and Executive Committee, that committeemen appointed hereby con- 
sult and cooperate with such Memorial and Executive Committee to 
the end that the exercises in commemoration of the day be in every 
way commensurate with the memory of that immortal President whose 
name we revere. This is the earnest desire of the Department Com- 
mander. 

By command of 

William H. Daniels, 

Department Commander. 

William S. Bull, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



Il6 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 



THE VICTORY 

A cry from out the marshes, from an infant, weak, alone, 
Caused the great and puissant Pharaoh to tremble on his throne. 
For that Voice was but to herald that a leader of a Race 
Was to build The First Republic, and establish it a place. 

Hozannas shout, ye thousands, 

From bondage ye are free. 

Though he who led your Exodus 

Lives not in Victory ! 

A cry heard in a manger, anent a public Inn, 
Was portend of an Era, when Love would make All kin; 
And the Voice was The Awakening from hypocrisy and lust, 
To form The World's Republic, give Man a sacred trust. 

Hozannas shout, ye millions. 

From bondage ye are free. 

Though He who made it possible 

Lives not in Victory ! 

A cry within a loggen hut, an hundred years ago, 

Bore no promise of Jehovah, nor shook the Pharaoh; 

But that Voice anon would clarion the rights of those oppressed, 

And support The Great Republic, as it rocked beneath the test. 

Hozannas shout, ye legions, 

From bondage ye are free, 

Though he who won your freedom 

Lives not in Victory ! 

These Masons thus contracted the Work their Master willed. 
Made firm a strong foundation, Man's Encouragement to build; 
Their lives laid on as building stones, the cement was their Love, 
And Moses, Christus, Lincoln, spell just one name above. 

Allelujahs shout, ye angels. 

From bondage all are free ! 

Our HEROES through the jaws of Death, 

Leave man the Victory. 

— Franklin Irving Brown. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 117 



NEW YORK CITY 

ENTIRE CITY PAYS LINCOLN HONOR OVER A MILLION PEOPLE PARTICI- 
PATE IN CEREMONIES OF THE METROPOLIS — MEETINGS, BANQUETS, 
CHURCH SERVICES MARK DAY IN NEW YORK. 

Extracts from Orations and Addresses. 

On the I2th day of the second month of the year 1809, the birth year 
of a peculiarly brilliant galaxy of great lights, among whom were 
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Edgar Allan Poe, and Alfred Tennyson, stars 
of the first magnitudes in the firmament of poetry ; Chopin and Mendels- 
sohn, master workmen in the charmed world of music; Charles Dar- 
win, the great pioneer of modern science ; William Ewart Gladstone, 
the Grand Old Man of British statesmanship, and Samuel Francis 
Smith, the humble author of the immortal national hymn, " My Coun- 
try, 'Tis of Thee"; just one hundred years ago to-day was born the 
noblest and grandest of them all, the Great American, the incarnation 
of the spirit of the Declaration of Independence, the embodiment of the 
new Democracy, the preserver of the Union, the Emancipator of the 
negro slave, the first of the hallowed trinity of America's presidential 
martyrs. The " Immortals " among the sons of men are strangely 
few, but though no star came down to twinkle its prophetic homage 
over the rude log-cabin, and no angel-song floated on the wintry air, 
and none of the wise men in the East so much as dreamed that a 
kingly man was likely to be born in the rugged and uncourtly West, 
the whole world recognizes to-day that he who was born of Nancy 
Hanks Lincoln in the lonely clearing of the Kentucky forests was 
destined by high heaven to be enshrined in the topmost circle of the 
temple of humanity among the sublimest of the sons of men. — Rev. 
Samuel J. S. Kerington, Nyack. 

Hamilton had tried his best to fuse the States into a perfect union. 
Marshall saw clearly that it had not been done. Clay and Webster were 
surpassingly eloquent in exalting the Constitution and the flag. His 
(Lincoln's) claim to enduring honor and fame is found not only in the 
fact that he emancipated the slave, but that he emancipated the white 
man from the horrors of slavery. — Rev. H. T. McEwen, D.D., Amster- 
dam. 

You (Veterans of the Civil War) carved out the ideal of your leader 
— the man you loved and trusted and the man who loved and trusted 
you. Some mountains are so great and high that those who view them 
can see only part at a time. Some painted windows are very beautiful, 
but vary in the different lights in which they are seen. There are some 
books we cannot comprehend all at once. Some men have powers so 



li8 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

wonderful that none can descry them at all. Who and what was the 
man whose followers you were? Lapse of time has served to write 
his name in larger letters and brighter colors on the scroll of fame. — 
Rev. E. H. Coley, Utica. 

Government a necessity always and everywhere. 

Government should always be the best possible to be attained. 

To this end the best men should always bear rule. 

Lincoln such a man — His qualifications. 

Righteousness fundamental in his character. Always desired to do 
the right thing, as God gave him to see the right. 

Stood firm for the right. Self-seeking absent. Not swayed by any 
self-interests. 

Yet he dared the charge of inconsistency and changed when con- 
vinced he was wrong. He would be right rather than consistent. 

Conscientious. 

Possessed a good mental equipment for the work to be done. 

Not too sensitive to adverse criticism. Patient with opposition. 
Awaited results for his vindication. 

Knew his own limitations and acted accordingly. 

Recognized the absolute and unqualified supremacy of the law. 

Trusted in God. Possessed a religious nature. This the sure foun- 
dation of all. 

Great because he based all his principles on the teachings of the 
man of Nazareth. Such was the man ; such the ruler : none greater if 
measured by conditions and results. — Rev. J. H. Trussell, Broadalbin. 

As we look back across the many centuries of recorded history and 
into that far-off dim period in which the human race existed, but of 
which no record remains, it is difficult for us to realize how much 
achievement has been crowded into the last hundred years — that during 
the last century the human race has advanced further and progressed 
more than in all the long centuries of history preceding. 

Myriads of men, multitudes of leaders, philosophers and statesmen, 
have lived and died and mingled with the dust, who all their lives long 
sought an ideal human government and who longingly and with wistful 
eyes watched in vain for those days of liberty and freedom which are 
ours to-day; which we, their heirs and descendants enjoy without effort 
and without sacrifice. As we survey the progress of years and study 
the records of the ages past, watching civilization grow and decline, 
people rise and fade away, it seems impossible that one short century 
could witness the rise and triumph of democratic government ; that 
within three generations men, after all the wearisome years of en- 
deavor, should come into the fulness of liberty and individual freedom 
which is ours to-day. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 119 

Abraham Lincoln, the man of the people, his career and achievements 
are without parallel in history. — John Lord O'Brian, Batavia. 

To the student of history, from the earliest date down to modern 
times, one of the facts that must most impress him is that when a people 
and country reach a crisis ; when it seems that a dissolution of the 
Government has come and the civic life of that people has reached a 
point where there is no escape from irredeemable disaster, the man of 
the hour, he who alone is capable of taking the lead, and through his 
energy and gifts conducting his countrymen into safety, and bringing 
order and peace out of chaos and strife, always at the crucial moment 
appears. It has apparently been arranged by an allwise Providence 
that this man has been carefully prepared, many times by hardship, 
want, and a life of abnegation, through his early career, for this moment, 
and when the time came he was thrust, through the force of circum- 
stances, without his knowledge, without the recognition of the fact 
that he was born into the world for that purpose, into the front rank to 
take his place in a scheme of divine workmanship ; merely a tool to ac- 
complish a purpose for which he was brought into the world. 

When the French people needed a saviour, Joan of Arc appeared, did 
her work, and retired a victor; Oliver Cromwell had his niche to fill in 
the destinies of England; Toussaint L'Ouverture delivered Santo Do- 
mingo; Bolivar lives in the history of the South American Republics; 
Garibaldi occupies the same place in Italian history. 

Nor has destiny taken her heroes from among the ranks of the pow- 
erful and rich. On the contrary, most of these men were selected from 
the lower walks in life, obscure and unknown until the moment arrived 
for them to leap into the activities of the great events that were to give 
them their places in history, and in the love of their people. — B. W. 
Loving, Owego. 

There is not a person throughout this land to-day who is not glad 
that he can call this country his own, either by birth or adoption. 
Nineteen hundred years ago God gave His son to save the world, and 
one hundred years ago to-day the same God gave unto the world a man 
of God, and one of His sons, Abraham Lincoln. 

" From an artistic point of view, there is nothing beautiful about that 
portrait,'" continued the mayor, indicating the picture which hung on 
the big flag behind him. " There are a lot of coarse lines there, and 
there is nothing attractive in that tumbled hair; but there is not one 
person here, not one in the whole country, who would try to smooth out 
a single line in that face, or rearrange a single lock of that hair, or 
cut off an inch from that tall stature. 

" To Farnsworth Post, which has made it possible for us to be here 
on this great occasion," the mayor continued, " on behalf of the city. 



120 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

this audience and myself, I tender our thanks. There was a time when 
Lincoln was despised and rejected of men — a man of sorrows and ac- 
quainted with grief. But that was the time when you of the Grand 
Army were loyal to him, and I want you to know that you have a large 
place in the hearts of the citizens of this country; and when you are 
gone you will be associated with him — linked together in the salvation 
of this land and the salvation of the stars and stripes. But this 
is not a time of sorrow: it is one of joy: it is not the Anniversary of 
a death, but of a beautiful life. — Mayor Howe, Mount Vernon. 

It is well that we are here to honor the greatest figure save one in 
the history of our country, to unite our hearts and words and deeds 
with the tens of thousands of our fellow citizens throughout our broad 
land. Let the lessons of this day sink deep down in our hearts, and 
let us resolve to perpetuate the principles that make this republic a 
" government of the people, for the people, and by the people." Let 
not the blood that was shed during the Civil War be shed in vain; let 
us not forget that broad principle that all men are created free and 
equal, the principle of that man who belongs to this land — Abraham 
Lincoln. — Rev. Father E. J. Flynn, Mount Vernon. 

" He would be a bold man who should attempt to say anything new 
about Abraham Lincoln. There is much that has already been said, but 
on one thing we are all united and agreed. That is, that he is the best- 
loved man the American nation has ever produced." There was much 
applause at this statement. Dr. Beattys' address was very eloquent 
and was listened to with close attention. 

" I want to take this uncouth man of the west," Dr. Beattys went on, 
" and relate him to the great world-wide achievement that has long lain 
dear to the heart of God; I want to show what Abraham Lincoln actu- 
ally did; and I think you will then see that he ought to be lifted out 
of a purely national niche of honor and be placed in that loftier and 
holier niche where they stand who have fulfilled and carried out that 
great work, expressed in the song that rang across the skies, many 
years ago, ' Peace on earth, good will towards men.' " — Dr. Beattys, 
Mount Vernon. 

If it be true that a prophet is without honor in his own country, it is 
also true that a man's work and the value of his character can neither 
be fully appreciated, nor accurately judged by the men of his own time. 
As a proper distance must be observed in order to see a picture at its 
best, so it is necessary that a sufficient number of years should pass 
before it is possible to give a correct estimate of the services of a pub- 
lic man, both to his own country and to the world. The occasion which 
has brought us together to-day is not simply the formal observance of 
the One Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of a great American, but 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 121 

that the proper time has come for understanding and appreciating the 
character and work of Abraham Lincoln as never before. It can be 
safely said that we know a great deal more about him than did his con- 
temporaries — yes, more than he knew about himself. Every new fact 
which has come to light, every fresh bit of knowledge which has been 
added to the story of his life, has increased the honor and reverence 
and love which the nation has had for its great ruler, until to-day his 
life and achievements stand out in the full light of the noonday sun 
with not a cloud to dim the brightness. Never was it more true that 
God raised up a man to meet a great need, a ruler to guide a nation 
safely through a great crisis of its history, than in the wonderful life 
of him whom we this day honor. — Rev. J. K. Parker, Waterville. 

I am pleased to be here this evening among the citizens of this com- 
munity and to be permitted to take some small part in a public observ- 
ance of the Centennial Anniversary of an important event — an event 
at its happening signifying seemingly nothing out of the ordinary — at- 
tracting much less than ordinary attention, but which was in fact of 
such surpassing importance to the cause of liberty and justice that the 
Legislature of most every state in this union of states has commanded 
its commemoration as each year rolls around, and which, at this, its 
Centennial, we especially emphasize, not only here but in every com- 
munity of considerable size throughout the length and breadth of the 
land. 

No one now doubts the transcending value, not only to this nation 
but to the cause of humanity everywhere, of the life of Abraham Lin- 
coln, nor the wisdom of pausing from time to time that its worth may 
receive proper public tribute, so that our minds may be impressed with 
the lessons which it teaches, and the patriotic spirit by which he di- 
rected the nation's course may continue to guide its destiny, and more 
so in the midst of these commercial times than ever before in our history. 

A century now closes since the day we now commemorate — more 
than forty of these years are since the death of Lincoln, and during 
these forty years not only has our population nearly doubled, but our 
material advancement has been such as to create a complexity in mod- 
ern life then scarcely dreamed of. Industrial competition has become 
intense, and we find our various occupations specialized. So that little 
hope to-day is offered to those lacking in the most persistent applica- 
tion and attention to the particular specialty in which they are engaged, 
and more than ever in our history are we inclined to test worth by its 
purchasing power, success in life by the money collected, rather than 
by other achievement. We are not to measure the value of the life of 
Lincoln by this standard, it is true, for if we did we would find little 
to justify our assembling here on this occasion, but it is particularly 
on account of these modern conditions differing so radically as they do 



122 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

from the period of Lincoln's time, affording so little opportunity or 
incentive for the consideration of our civic obligations or of else but 
the particular business or professional struggle at which we are en- 
gaged, that as a self-governing nation we are prudent to halt on these 
anniversaries to contemplate the beneficial influence of his life and 
character on its destiny and on the institutions of liberty and justice 
which we must uphold. — Hon. John C. R. Taylor, Middletown. 

Before The National Society of Patriotic Women of America. 

The mother of Abraham Lincoln, too, was, in unromantic eyes, a 
household drudge under conditions of material poverty and hardship, 
which brought her to an untimely death in his tenth year. Yet none 
other could have kindled in Lincoln the divine spark which made him, 
to us, the most admirable of men. His great virtues were the most 
simple ; he had no equipment that a wholesome, strong. Christian mother 
could not give. His soul was heroic, and did not merely become so. 
Nothing that we do after our tenth year is controlling in our char- 
acter. When Lincoln's mother died, the man was already formed for 
circumstance to work upon until he should become, as he was destined 
to be, its master. To a curious biographer, who pressed Lincoln to 
indicate in his ancestry the source of his strength, he said, not with- 
out a touch of gentle reproach, " My mother." 

These two women, Harriet Beecher Stowe and the mother of Lin- 
coln, unquestionably had more influence, as first causes, to initiate the 
movement to wipe out human slavery in the United States and to give 
that movement the character which made it irresistible than all the 
men together. The generous purpose of the defence of the Union can 
never be misconceived where the enduring work of Mrs. Stowe is read. 
Nancy Hanks will never lack a monument where the beloved face of 
Abraham Lincoln is remembered. The Spartan mother has become im- 
mortal, the Roman matron an ideal ; the Hundredth Anniversary of 
the birth of Lincoln witnesses the world's unconscious homage to 
American womanhood, the apotheosis of the old-fashioned American 
mother. 

That Lincoln was conscious of the support of the women was con- 
stantly made evident. The real grandeur of his character was his moral 
earnestness and entire devotion to duty, but its greatest charm was his 
perfect chivalry. His very strength was not rudely masculine. The 
instinctive gentleness, the patience, the sadness, the almost superhuman 
endurance, in which there was sympathy, faith, and courage for all, 
were what men seek in the source of all comfort — a mother. When 
the sisters, wives, sweethearts, daughters, and mothers of soldiers in 
trouble came to him and said : " These are our boys," they but spoke 
for him. He was as the head of one great family, and thought and 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 123 

felt for all. With all his strength he had the heart of a child. Who 
can doubt that in the crushing burdens of his hour of trial the image 
of his mother was often before him, and that the memory of her moral 
strength in trouble sustained him ? 

Not only in America, but among the nations, there has been no in- 
fluence more potent than the memory of Lincoln to make all feel the 
imperious necessity of human justice and the essential kinship of all 
mankind. There are some traditions, prized as national, which the 
whole world cherishes. It matters little, as was said, with certainly 
not more truth, of Washington, what immediate spot may be the birth- 
place of such a man as Lincoln. No people can claim, no country can 
appropriate him. The boon of Providence to the human race, his fame 
is eternity, his residence, creation. 

Not only did Lincoln, better than any other, express the feelings and 
aspirations of America, but through a literary quality which carried 
by its sheer beauty, he brought the message of his country home to the 
people of every land. Transparent honesty and unsophisticated manli- 
ness of character breathe through every line of his writings, and their 
compelling appeal no mind can fail to understand, or, comprehending, 
resist. In the Gettysburg Speech, and in the closing paragraph of the 
First Inaugural Address, he chiseled, on the background of American 
history, literary cameos which embodied the American spirit and formed, 
together, the universal epic of human liberty. Such treasures belong, 
not to literature, but to the common heart of man. With his example 
they have gone far to dedicate all men to the proposition for which 
the heroes of one nation died. — Frank Hendrick, New York City. 

The tenderness and pathos, the gentleness and brotherlike spirit of 
these words " First Inaugural " sounded on the ear like a new revela- 
tion of Christ's Sermon on the Mount. 

His mental equipment swept the methods of the school aside, and 
instead of arriving at a conclusion by a long, laborious, exhaustive 
argument, by a simple illustration he would arrive at his destination, 
while another would be battling amid a sea of logic. 

Nature blessed him with a superb intelligence and made him a genius 
without arrogance or deceit. His State papers show his desire not to 
influence, or get the best of an argument, but to convince; not to win 
victory for self, but to bring a benediction upon his country and his 
fellowman. — Rev. Clark Wright^ Past Department Chaplain, G. A. R., 
Catskill. 

His life was the best expression we have ever had of the humanity, 
the industry, the sense, the conscience, the freedom, the justice, the 
progress, the unity and the destiny of the Nation. His memory is 
our best human inspiration. — Lewis Ryan, High School Student. 



124 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

WHERE LINCOLN LIVES 

New York, Feb. 12. — Booker T. Washington, paying a tribute to 
Abraham Lincoln in New York City to-night, said: 

" By the side of Armstrong and Garrison, Lincoln lives to-day. In 
the very highest sense he lives in the present more potently than fifty 
years ago, for that which is seen is temporal, that which is unseen 
is eternal. He lives in the 32,000 young men and women of the negro 
race learning trades and useful occupations; in the 200,000 farms ac- 
quired by those he freed; in the more than 400,000 homes built; in the 
forty-six banks established, and 10,000 stores owned; in the $550,000,000 
worth of taxable property in hand; in the 28,000 public schools exist- 
ing with 30,000 teachers; in the 170 industrial schools and colleges; in 
the 23,000 ministers and 26,000 churches. But above all this, he lives 
in the steady and unalterable determination of 10,000,000 of black citi- 
zens to continue to climb year by year the ladder of the highest 
usefulness and to perfect themselves in strong, robust character. For 
making all this possible Lincoln Hves." 

From the Elmira Press. 

Elmira brought credit to herself yesterday. In every way the exer- 
cises in honor of Abraham Lincoln exceeded the expectations of those 
who were most ardent in their work to that end. On every hand there 
was evidence of an undying patriotism and in every heart there was a 
reverence and love for the memory of the Great American. 

From the beginning to the end of the program there was a demon- 
stration which proves that Elmirans are loyal and sincere. 

The parade which was made up of patriotic marchers was viewed by 
thousands of people no less patriotic. It was significant that only a few 
points along the line of march was there applause. This was not be- 
cause the same marchers would not have drawn forth audible commen- 
dation on any other occasion, but because the solemn spirit of the 
occasion seemed all-pervading. It was a beautiful tribute of respect. 

In the Armory there was consummated a most fitting tribute. Those 
who were privileged to hear the musical numbers and to participate 
in the exercises could not have failed to have been uplifted through 
the sentiment of the occasion. 

The principal address by Professor R. C. H. Catterall was a rare 
treat. It was a scholarly appreciation of the Great Martyr, not a lot of 
" slush " in the form of excessive, exaggerated, misplaced laudation. 

Professor Catterall pictured Lincoln as he was, made him a real man, 
and not a mythical saint or demi-god. His portrayal of his character 
will set aright many erroneous notions in regard to the man. And 
yet, no one could bestow on Lincoln greater praise where it belonged 
than did Professor Catterall. 



[AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY] 

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Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 129 

The address was given in a pleasing style and made a deep impres- 
sion on the magnificent audience. 

Aside from the deserved testimonial to the Emancipator the memorial 
goes further in arousing and keeping alive that spirit of patriotism 
which has been the reliance of the Republic since its foundation, and 
without which even Abraham Lincoln would have been powerless to 
accomplish those things which led to his immortalization. 

It is meet that such sentiment be impressed on youthful minds and 
kept fresh in the minds of their elders. Elmira did her share yester- 
day — and be it to her credit. 



NEW MEXICO 

LINCOLN DAY PROCLAMATION: 

Whereas, The Legislative Assembly of New Mexico has declared 
February 12, 1909, the One Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of 
Abraham Lincoln, a legal holiday : 

Therefore, 1, George Curry, Governor of New Mexico, do hereby 
proclaim Friday, February I2th, 1909, a holiday in the Territory of 
New Mexico. 

The entire Nation is preparing to celebrate the Centenary of Lin- 
coln's birth; every community in the land will offer its best tribute to 
his memory, recount his magnificent achievements, and the occasion 
will inspire all true Americans with the highest sentiments of patriotism. 
While Lincoln was a man of broad sympathies, tender-hearted, and a 
great lover of peace, still it was his lot to be called to the helm of the 
nation during the darkest days in American history, when our country 
was rent with internal strife. 

I recommend that New Mexicans on this holiday cease, as far as 
practicable, their usual occupations; that they join with the Grand Army 
of the Republic and other patriotic societies in a proper observance of 
the day, displaying the flag upon private homes as well as public in- 
stitutions; that in our schools suitable exercises be given tending to 
impress upon the minds of the youth the character and history of this 
great American. 

Done at the Executive Office this 
the 2nd day of February, A. D. 

r -1 1909- 

-* Witness my hand and the great 

seal of the Territory of New 
Mexico. 
By the Governor: George Curry. 

Nathan Jaffa, 

Secretary of New Mexico. 



130 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 



NORTH DAKOTA 

From an Essay by Jessie McGlenn, a schoolgirl of fifteen years, 
Minnewaukau, N. D. 

Thus we see how Lincohi's character was developed and shaped by 
his early training; how he was trained up and fitted, in the obscure 
seclusion of humble life, by the providence of God, for a special and 
peculiar service; and how he became the type, flower and representa- 
tive of all that is worthily American; how in him the commonest of 
human traits were blended with an all-embracing charity and the high- 
est human wisdom, and how, with single-hearted devotion to the right, 
he lived unselfishly, void of selfish personal ambition, and dying tragi- 
cally, left a name to be remembered with love and honor as one of the 
best and greatest of mankind. 

From an Oration by Harry F. Montague, a farmer boy of seven- 
teen and pupil in the Minnewaukau, N. D., School. 

It is quite fitting and proper that we should be gathered thus for the 
purpose of reviewing Lincoln's life and presenting that life in all its 
grandeur before the rising generation who will in turn present it to 
the coming generation, and so on as long as history lasts. It is a 
poor recompense indeed for the services which he rendered, but it 
shows our appreciation of those services and this appreciation will 
grow and become more prominent as the years roll by. The people 
who gather at the second centennial of his birth will realize more fully 
than the people of to-day the true greatness of this man. The world 
will still honor and respect him, for a truly great man never dies but 
lives in the lives of those who follow him. The future Presidents of 
the United States, in moments of trouble and perplexity, will turn to 
the name of Lincoln for strength and encouragement. Though born 
and reared in poverty, yet perseverance and the upbuilding of a noble 
character won for him that admiration, glory and renown which has 
distinguished and elevated him above his fellowmen. 

Extract from the Address of Edmund March Vittum, President 

of Fargo College. 

And we prophesy that in future generations the students of history 
will come to study the heroes of America — not to exploit their faults 
as do the puny scholars, but broad-minded to measure their greatness. 
They will begin with the men who founded colonies in Virginia, Penn- 
sylvania, New York and Plymouth. They will study the men of 'y6 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 131 

who achieved the impossible; they will measure the men who wrote 
and interpreted the Constitution and so laid the foundation stones of 
this first great successful experiment of popular self-government. And 
so on down the generations. And when they come to Lincoln they will 
see him just as he is, with all his faults and all his follies, with all his 
crudeness and all his coarseness; they will read the worst things that 
have ever been said of him and, perchance, believe some of them. But 
when they come to measure his greatness, the simplicity of his great- 
ness and the greatness of his simplicity, the greatness of his intellect, 
the greatness of his affections, the greatness of his self-sacrifice, the 
greatness of his purpose and the greatness of his accomplishment; then 
they will find their measuring tape which has been good for centuries 
all too short. They can but bow down and say, " This is everybody's 
friend. This is the First American. This is the noblest patriot of them 
all." 

OHIO 
[House Bill No. 50] 
An Act to Make Lincoln Day a Holiday 
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio: 

Section i. That the twelfth day of February, nineteen hundred and 
nine, which is the One Hundredth Anniversary of the birthday of 
Abraham Lincoln, shall be known as Lincoln Day, and for all purposes 
whatever considered as a holiday. 

Granville W. Mooney, 

Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

Francis W. Treadwary, 

President of the Senate. 
Passed January 21, 1909. 

Approved January 22, 1909. 

JuDsoN Harmon, Governor. 

Extracts from Addresses and Orations. 

The youngest of the great nations possesses a matchless heritage in 
the memories of its illustrious dead. 

Among our immortals Lincoln stands conspicuous as the typical 
product of our institutions. 

It seems safe to say that his career has been more deeply and ex- 
tensively studied than that of any other American. 

Though deeply religious, he was without theology or dogma. 

He was exceptionally endowed with the quality which we call com- 



132 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

mon sense, and he exhibited it in those higher forms which are indis- 
tinguishable from genius. 

He recognized a divine scheme of infinite scope, but an effective ele- 
ment of his strength was in his unremitting adherence to the conviction 
that he was charged only with some of the most important human 
functions which were involved in its development. 

One could scarcely set himself to a harder task than the analysis of 
papers and addresses themselves so analytical as those which he left. 
Their study is the delight of those who appreciate the higher forms 
of literature. 

However painful may be their memories of the days of his power, the 
people of the South are quite united in grateful memories of him, and 
in recognition of the beneficence of his victory, for it rescued them 
from the influence of an institution which would have denied them their 
present high place in civilization. — Hon. John A. Shauck, Judge of 
the Supreme Court of Ohio. 

A century — a half century — even a quarter of a century from this is 
indeed a far cry and what rocks the ship of state must pass, what storms 
it must weather, what smooth and glassy seas it must ride, all is con- 
jecture, but to its present millions and the millions yet to be will ever 
come with the sweetness of old tunes rendered beautifully sacred by 
repetition — told and yet retold — from the surging heart of this lover of 
humanity his message of Love, Duty and Truth. 

And if one asks who this man and why, I say that deep within na- 
ture's crucible was shaped this man, strong, patient, loving, tender, to 
meet tlie tremendous demands of occasion, and that as falls the gentle 
rain, as beams the bright sun that fields may grow green and that men 
may live, so this man's life was that " the still, sad music of humanity " 
might be heard by all civilization. 

" He was lowly and a man of peace and a servant of God." — ^Judge 
Warren Gard, Hamilton, O. 

WHAT LINCOLN STANDS FOR 

He stands foremost among statesmen in his masterly knowledge of 
men and affairs; his patience, humility and moral integrity are unsur- 
passed. His memory is a tower of strength to the posterity of that de- 
mocracy from which he sprung, from whose soil he drew his life. He 
is, indeed, a sure and safe index finger for the guidance of our com- 
plex American life to-day. Truly, nature might stand up and say to 
all the world, " This is a Man." 

A PARALLEL COMPARISON 

Plutarch, in his life of Alexander the Great, has said, " As painters 
bestow much labor on the faces of their portraits, particularly about 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 133 

the eyes, in which the pecuHar turn of mind most appears, and run 
over the rest with a careless hand, so must we be permitted to strike 
off the features of the soul in order to give a real likeness of these great 
men." It is for us now to so touch some of the incidents and situations 
of this great man's notable career as to " strike off " that particular 
feature of his greatness which presents him to our view as a master 
of men. — Rev. William H. Smith, Ashland, O. 

MASTERY OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE 

One of these features of power the speaker found to be in Lincoln's 
mastery of the English language. He analyzed this and showed that 
it consisted in always using a little word if there was one to express 
his thought, always framing short sentences when possible; and never, 
when compelled to use a long sentence, did he cloud his meaning with 
too many words. He characterized the speech at Gettysburg as the fin- 
est ever uttered in the English language and cited the authorities of 
the British Museum to prove his claim. — S. D. Fess, President of An- 
tioch College, Columbus, O. 

But then, Abraham Lincoln was more than a " logic engine." He 
was a living soul, aglow with the fires of truth, of human sympathy, 
and of divine faith. From a boy he was ever true to himself and hence 
false to no man. In his belief in the brotherhood of man he instinctively 
maintained a sympathetic respect for the rights of others. — Dr. A. B- 
Church, Buchtel College, Akron, O. 



134 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 



OKLAHOMA 

Grand Army of the Republic, 
Department of Oklahoma, 

Guthrie, Oklahoma, February, 1909. 

Comrade Allan C. Bakewell, 
Patriotic Instructor, 

Gramercy Park, N. Y. 

Comrade: Under the auspices and direction of Hartranft Post No. 3, 
Department of Oklahoma, Grand Army of the Republic, the One Hun- 
dredth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln was duly and 
properly observed and celebrated. 

First, We talked it with all generally, but most particularly with 
the Comrades and the Schools. 

The schools all observed the day first, and thereafter joined the 
Grand Army of the Repubhc. 

In this City and County the order of exercises as approved and given 
out by the National Administration of the Grand Army of the Republic 
was carried out strictly. We had the finest parade ever witnessed in 
this City. Much credit is due the superintendents and teachers in the 
public schools for the training and preparation which enabled the 
schools to make such fine appearance and large attendance. 

The address of the occasion was delivered by Judge M. C. Garber, 
of Enid, Oklahoma, and it was one of the finest ever heard here. It 
was full of love, appreciation, patriotism and instruction, and will long be 
remembered. 

Patriotism is more generally taught by the trained teachers now than 
ever before. 

Very truly, fraternally and in F. C. L., 

W. B. Herod. 



timepiece stops at hour of birth and legislature quits work. — 

OKLAHOMA lawmakers DRIVEN TO ADJOURN DESPITE VOTE. 

Guthrie, Okla., Feb. 12. — A remarkable incident to-day startled the 
lower house of the Oklahoma legislation into adjournment after it had 
decided by vote to ignore observance of the Lincoln Anniversary. Point- 
ing to the large electrical clock on the wall of the chamber. Representa- 
tive Johns near the noon hour said : 

" I wish to call attention of members to one of the strangest coinci- 
dences ever seen. That clock, after counting the time without inter- 
ruption ever since this body had been in session, has stopped at il 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 135 

o'clock. One hundred years ago Abraham Lincoln was born, as his- 
tory runs, at the exact minute at which the clock has stopped. 

" In stopping work, this clock is showing far greater respect to Lin- 
coln's memory than is this body. I move that we adjourn until to- 
morrow." 

The motion carried without a dissenting voice. The senate remained 
in session. The house historians were agreed that Lincoln was born 
at 10 o'clock A. M. and that the difference in time between his birth 
place and Guthrie was one hour. 

The local manager of the Western Union Telegraph Co. said the clock 
could not have been tampered with, without detection. 

LAWTON 

(From the News-Republican of February 12, 1909.) 

Locally, Lincoln's Birthday was observed with befitting ceremony. 
The school children held the day. At two o'clock this afternoon, they 
came marching double file, twelve hundred or more strong, from the 
school buildings in the city to the Ramsey Opera House. Each room, in 
double column, followed their chosen flag-bearer, with silken banner 
floating in the breeze, and accompanied by their respective teachers, 
Superintendent Rybolt bringing up the rear. It was a magnificent 
pageant of bright, happy little faces, with beams of expectancy radia- 
ting from their sparkling eyes. They may not have fully understood 
the meaning of the hour, but certain it is, that the name of Lincoln, 
that great and good man, is on the lips and in the thoughts of better 
than a thousand active minds, clothed in the shimmer of childhood's 
imagination. It was a beautiful spectacle. Business was forgotten 
in the more fascinating scenes, where the flower and pride of Lawton 
homes were in motion to the seat of ceremonies. 

The Opera House was crowded to its utmost seating capacity by 
perhaps the most precious audience that it ever held. Adults fell back 
and gave the children precedence. There was no room for the gray 
and grizzled veterans of the war, whether they wore the blue or the 
gray. A brilliant and patriotic program had been arranged and was 
carried out with fine precision. The participants on the program had 
been in skillful hands and were well trained. 

The good that comes from this day in the cultivation of patriotic sen- 
timents may never be known, but there is no more fertile soil in which 
to scatter seeds of patriotism than in the minds of these precious chil- 
dren. It was a happy stroke of wisdom when the adults surrendered the 
day to these fair young jewels, the future citizens of the glorious re- 
public. 



136 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 



OREGON 

No proclamation was issued by the Governor, but the Legislature was 
in session at the time and passed the following resolution : 

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3. 

Whereas, the Centenary of the birth of our martyred President of 
the United States, Abraham Lincoln, occurs this year, Friday, February 
I2th, next; and 

Whereas, it is fitting and proper that this event should be celebrated 
in appropriate manner by all lovers of liberty and our union through- 
out the State and Nation by observance of the day and by literary exer- 
cises commemorating his patriotic services to his country. Now, there- 
fore, be it 
Resolved by the House, the Senate Concurring : 

That a committee of three on the part of the House and two on the 
part of the Senate be appointed to join with the patriotic organizations 
in this State in making the necessary arrangements for a fitting cele- 
bration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham 
Lincoln. 

F. W. Benson, Secretary of State. 



RHODE ISLAND 

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 

lincoln day proclamation: 
By His Excellency Aram J. Pothier, Governor 

Upwards of eighty millions of people throughout the vast expanse of 
the American Republic — heirs by birth or adoption of the perfect free- 
dom it symbolizes — will unite on the twelfth day of February next in 
reflective contemplation that one hundred years ago was born the man 
to whose sublime existence they owe in large measure that priceless 
heritage which all alike enjoy to-day. 

It is a worthy commentary on the temperament of a united people, 
living as brothers but a generation after his successful struggle for 
equality had ended, that to-day an enlightened and prosperous Ameri- 
can citizenship, blest with the fullness of learning and culture, halts in 
its irresistible onward march to bow in deferential homage to the lofty 
patriotism and magnificent spirit of Abraham Lincoln. 

Surmounting obstacles of birth and poverty beyond the comprehen- 
sion of the present age, setting a new standard for American ideals, 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 137 

and standing valiantly by the colors he implanted thereon until there 
was firmly welded the Union we glorify to-day, the martyred President, 
on this Centenary of his birth, speaks from the tomb living lessons of 
loyalty, steadfastness, and indomitable devotion to duty — lessons which 
the youth of the land must learn, that this great Republic may endure. 
All over this broad land — in the schools and universities, from the 
forum and about the banquet board, in churches and in public institu- 
tions — his praises will be sung, his deeds rehearsed, and his immortal 
words will resound. 

In recognition of the nation-wide significance of the day, therefore, let 
the citizens of Rhode Island dedicate Friday, the I2th day of Feb- 
ruary, A. D. 1909, to such forms of patriotic observance as have been 
our custom in honoring other great historic anniversaries. 

Let there be a general suspension of business, that the day be not 
allowed to pass unheeded by our industrial classes. 

Let the school children, with patriotic exercises, assemble in their 
class-rooms on this Grand Army Flag Day, that its inspiring lessons may 
become impressed upon those who are to make up our future generations. 
And let all citizens on this day momentarily pause and reflect upon 
how much we owe the memory of Lincoln, for what we have and are 
to-day. 

As an observance of the day on the part of the State, I have or- 
dered that a salute of one hundred guns be fired from the State House 
grounds at 12 o'clock noon, by a detachment of Light Battery A, Rhode 
Island National Guard. 

Given under my hand and seal 
this twenty-eighth day of Janu- 
uary, in the year of our Lord one 
[l. s.] thousand nine hundred and nine, 

and of the Independence of the 
United States the one hundred 
thirty-third. 

Aram J. Pothier. 
By the Governor: 

Charles P. Bennett, 

Secretary of State. 

Tributes to Lincoln. 

He was at once a type of Old Testament characters, like Elijah and 
Solomon, and of New Testament characters, like Paul and John. He 
possessed attributes that were divine. The fatherhood of God and 
the brotherhood of man were his tenets. — Adin B. Capron, Represen- 
tative in Congress. 



138 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Abraham Lincoln, the purest patriot and wisest statesman our country 
has ever known. His love of liberty, of truth and justice, and his 
battle for the rights of the oppressed will ever live in the world's 
history. — Walter A. Read, General Treasurer. 

He exemplified in every respect what we are proud to proclaim as the 
representative American virtues, simplicity of manner, energy, integrity, 
frankness, patience and wit. He, more than any other, preserved the 
Flag for American posterity. — Ex-Governor James H. Higgins. 

The controlling motive in the life of Abraham Lincoln was loy- 
alty. In his younger days he was loyal to himself by making the best 
possible use of the few opportunities that were his. In his middle life 
he was loyal to his convictions of public and private duty, by defend- 
ing or advocating them. — Ex-Governor George H. Utter. 

In striking a higher note, patriotism means a willingness to sacrifice 
self-interest and complacent ease in the cause of civic righteousness. 
Going far beyond a natural hatred for a traitor to his country, it at- 
tacks corruption in national, State, and city affairs, and sets itself like 
a flint against municipal graft and corporate greed. — Henry Fletcher, 
Mayor of Providence. 

As the flags were put in my hands, President Lincoln said : " Young 
man, guard these colors as you should the honor of your mother. Fight 
for them, and if needs be, die for them, for should they fall, free gov- 
ernment will disappear from the earth; injustice and oppression will 
continue to reign ; right, liberty and peace will have no abiding place 
among us." — William Ames, Past Dept. Commander, G. A. R. 

Certainly his mental powers were as tremendous as his physical 
forces seemed to me. His fame grows with the years. — Charles R. 
Brayton, Past Dept. Commander, G. A. R. 

His life is an inspiration to the youth of our country — Elish.\ H. 
Rhodes, Past Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, G. A. R. 

His was a true manhood because it was honest, earnest and unsel- 
fish. Beloved in life, the pathos of his tragic death has drawn our hearts 
to him in tender memory, and we all unite in revering him as the 
greatest of Americans. — John H. Stiness, Ex-Chief Justice of the 
Supreme Court. 

The name of Lincoln, his life and achievements are all an inspiration 
to patriotic endeavors, and to honorable and righteous civic service. — 
Colonel Robert H. I. Goddard. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 139 

There is no nobler figure in our country's history, nor one more 
worthy the emulation of our children. — General Charles H. Merri- 

MAN. 

He was a column of his own height and towered above all his fellows, 
* As some tall cliff that lifts its awful form, 
Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm, 
Though 'round its breast the rolling clouds are spread, 
Eternal sunshine settles on its head." 

— Colonel Samuel A. Pearce. 

A face you could not forget, a look of assurance that made you at 
home in his presence, a hand-grasp that mingled strength and gentle- 
ness and reminded a boy soldier of father and mother and home, and 
sent him into the conflict with hope and courage. — Rev. John Hale 
Larry, D.D. 

Each year reveals with distinctive clearness his wonderful strength 
of character, combined with a rare beauty of spirit. — Mrs. Richard 
Jackson Barker. 

No biography can furnish so much history, such a hero, and so 
great an inspiration as the life of Lincoln. — Walter H. Small, Supt. 
of Schools, Providence. 

The Man of Nazareth came to minister, and ever since His coming 
the idea of service has gradually become the standard by which we 
measure greatness. By this standard we may measure Lincoln, and 
by it he takes his place among the greatest. — Herbert W. Lull, Supt. 
of Schools, Newport. 

It is precisely because the things of the spirit, heroism, patriotism, 
whole-souled devotion to the truest welfare of his countrymen's ideals, 
dominated the character and life of Abraham Lincoln that we should 
celebrate the Anniversary of his birth with reverence and thanks- 
giving. — Frank O. Draper, Supt. of Schools, Pawtucket. 

Let our boys and girls study his life and emulate his virtues, for he 
left us as choice a legacy in his Christian example, in his incorruptible 
integrity, and in his unaffected simplicity, if we will appropriate it, 
as in his public deeds. It is the great boon of such characters as Mr. 
Lincoln's that they reunite what God has joined together and man 
has put asunder. In him was vindicated the greatness of real goodness 
and the goodness of real greatness. — Bishop Phillips Brooks. 



140 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

The American youth of to-day have in the lives of eminent scholars, 
poets and statesmen many noble examples of excellence, of beauty and 
of power, but no other name carries with it the inspiration to true, 
honest, noble, self-sacrificing manhood as does the name of Abraham 
Lincoln. — John G. Ulmer, Supt. of Schools, Coventry. 

Lincoln foresaw freedom for all children ever to be born in the 
American Union. He foresaw, not simply a free birth to the dark 
children of the Union of '65, but a free cradle for the Cubans and 
fine arts for the Filipinos in the Greater American Union that is ours. 
His long arms clasped for the bosom of the globe, his large heart 
longed to heal the broken-hearted of the world. — Charles C. Rich- 
ardson, Supt. of Schools, Cumberland. 

When in time of war and trouble the country needed a gentle cap- 
tain of good courage and wise counsel, the people thought of Abraham 
Lincoln, of heart so sympathetic, of character so beautiful, of judg- 
ment so fair, of loyalty to truth so devoted. — J. W. Dows, Supt. of 
Schools, East Providence. 

The life of Lincoln teaches that the right sort of ambition and a 
determined purpose will overcome whatever handicap is involved in 
lowly birth and dearth of early opportunity. — Elwood T. Wyman, Supt. 
of Schools, Warwick. 

A homely tribute was paid the great President by a man who as a 
boy was Lincoln's playmate, " He never did a mean thing in his life." 
— William H. Holmes, Jr., Supt. of Schools, Westerly. 

Teachers can find few better examples to set before their pupils than 
that of the man who so patiently bore the wrongs of a race and the 
sorrows of a nation in his heart. — David W. Hoyt, English High 
School, Providence. 

In my opinion no hour in the course of the school year is more 
profitably spent than that which celebrates the Anniversary of the 
birthday of Abraham Lincoln. — Charles E. Dennis, Jr., Hope St. 
High School, Providence. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 141 



TENNESSEE 

Extract from an Address by Prof. W. W. Phelan, Athens, Tenn. 

To-day the South and North shake hands over the grave beside the 
Sangamon. 

To-day we meet the veterans from both fields and think over the 
past with reverence and humility. 

He was born to an inheritance of want ; he struggled up to a manhood 
of strife. 

He stands by himself in a new and separate class. He represents 
the people's divine doctrine of equality. 

Lincoln's later papers declare ihe eternal law of compensation in 
diction rivalling the Hebrew prophets. 

Alexander, Cassar, Charlemagne, King Alfred and Washington are 
great men. Lincoln is greater than they. 

They are stars of the first magnitude. Alexander is the blood-red 
star that hangs above the horizon. The star of Caesar, the cold, keen 
star, flashes high over seven-hilled Rome. Next shine the rival stars 
of Charlemagne and Alfred, twin stars of golden flame. The austere 
star of Washington leaps in high heaven. But Lincoln never thought 
to climb. He walked the humble way. 



UTAH 

A PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR: 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY 

Among the reflections which we as Americans indulge, none is more 
ennobling in its influence than contemplation of those inspired patriots 
whose lives and deeds link in their unfolding the story of our nation 
and its institutions. Each of these great characters, in his time and 
place, was " the man of the hour " to his country, and the story of 
the life of each is a never-ending source of inspiration to love of 
country. 

Turning the pages of history, we invariably thrill with patriotic pride 
as we read of the life of him whose peculiar environment tested the 
truest and highest ideal of American citizenship. To the everlasting 
credit and glory of this man he measured equal to the test; and for 
his great statesmanship and unswerving allegiance to duty there has 
been linked with his name the highest tribute a loyal and patriotic 
people could offer, " The Preserver of the Union." 



[seal] 



142 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth President of the United States, is an 
American whose life and deeds typify the possibilities of loyal and true 
citizenship. 

Therefore, as a mark of respect to his memory and to inspire emu- 
lation of his noble deeds, I do hereby proclaim and set apart as a 
public holiday in the State of Utah, Friday, February 12, 1909, the 
One Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln; and 
recommend a proper and fitting observance of that occasion, with dis- 
play of the flag and appropriate exercises in honor of this great man 
and the principles he so grandly enunciated. 

In testimony whereof, I have 
hereunto set my hand, and caused 
to be affixed the Great Seal of 
the State of Utah, at Salt Lake 
City, this first day of February, 
A. D. 1909. 
By the Governor: William Spry. 

C. S. TiNGEY, 

Secretary of State. 

Office of 

Charles S. Tingey, 

Secretary of State, 

Salt Lake City, Utah. 

June Twelfth, 

Nineteen Hundred and Nine. 
Allan C. Bakewell, Chairman, 

National Committee on Lincoln Centennial, 
No. 34 Gramercy Park, 

New York City, N. Y. 
Dear Sir: In obedience to your request under date of the 7th inst., 
I enclose you copy of the Proclamation of the Governor of this State, 
declaring Lincoln's Birthday a holiday. 

You are also advised that our State Legislature, which adjourned on 
the nth day of March, 1909, passed an act, or an amendment to an 
existing statute, designating Lincoln's Birthday as a State Holiday. 

Very truly yours, 

C. S. Tingey, 

Secretary of State. 

Extracts from an Address by Rev. Peter A. Simpkin, Salt Lake 

City. 

The man whom we remember to-night, was in himself the greatest 
man who walked the halls of history since Saul of Tarsus fell asleep. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 143 

In a time of such tragedy as God grant we may see no more, among 
the giants whom God gave to be the master-workmen of the time, 
one life towering over all in simple dignity, love and genius, the axe- 
man of Sangamon. 

This God-given man possessed in rich measure the fire which is a 
spark of brilliance in the many, the Phares unfading in the few, the 
brilliance of whose souls reaches across the tossing waters of history, 
to be a beacon and a guide to men's lives. 

Little wonder have we, who worship from afar the generous out- 
line of his character, the magnitude of his mental achievement, the 
tenderness of his great soul, who find in the brilliant sentences that 
still beat with life, revealing his logical and executive power, finding 
the heart thrill to such eloquence as echoed over Gettysburg, con- 
secrate forever by its sleeping ranks, that those who knew him, who 
came within the sweep of his great soul should regard him as the 
chosen servant of the high God. 

And to-day we remember with thankfulness the greatest of his serv- 
ice to men through that comprehension. For by the passion of it he 
enthused the time by his love for his land, his broad charity for the 
Southland, his vision of all the Republic might be for men in its serv- 
ice; he wrought the impossible and left a nation bound in the cords of 
Union indisseverable, and a flag that spoke of a Nation's glory and 
purpose. 

VERMONT 

[Number 70] 
An Act Making February 12, 1909, a Legal Holiday 

It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ver- 
mont: 

Section i. The twelfth day of February, 1909, being the One 
Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, shall be a 
legal holiday, and the provisions of the Public Statutes relating to 
legal holidays shall apply to said day. 

Approved January 21, 1909. 

Exercises at Burlington. 

The exercises last evening at the First Church in observance of the 
Lincoln Centenary were attended by an assemblage which completely 
filled the auditorium. In addition to others in attendance there were 
present delegations from the G. A. R., the Loyal Legion, Sons of 
the American Revolution, Sons of Veterans, Spanish War Veterans, 
Society of Colonial Wars, Company M., Green Mountain Chapter, 



144 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames, University 
students and officers from Fort Ethan Allen. 

From an Address by President M. H. Buckham. 

Lincoln had a great man's great faith. All great men are men of 
faith. They believe more than they know. Lincoln saw far-away 
things. Those who knew him said that his eyes often seemed to be 
fixed on things out of sight. His faith was of a kind that reminds us 
of the biblical saints. We are prompted to put him in the line of those 
who by faith obtained a good report, and to extend the roll and say, 
" By faith Abraham," the second, like Abraham the first, when called 
of God went out not knowing whither he went, knowing only, and 
knowing sufficiently, that to follow God's leading was to go right 
whether the way was bright or dark and by his faith he saved us, 
saved our nation, when our faith faltered and was almost ready to 
despair. When we recall those days of disaster and gloom and hope 
deferred, when we remember how many of our trusted leaders lost 
courage and hope, and were almost ready to give up the cause for lost, 
let us, let all our posterity, learn to do profound homage to the faith 
that never faltered, that held on through Big Bethel and Bull Run, 
through Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, and the Peninsula, and 
Antietam, to Vicksburg, and Gettysburg and Appomattox. 



WASHINGTON 

State of Washington, 

Executive Department, 

Olympia. 

a proclamation by the governor: 

Whereas, The Senate and the House of Representatives of the State 
of Washington have concurred in a resolution requesting the Governor 
to issue a proclamation urging the citizens of the State of Washing- 
ton to observe in fitting manner the Centennial of the birth of Abra- 
ham Lincoln; and 

Whereas, All Americans revere and cherish the memory of that 
just and noble man whose great heart felt the sorrows of the whole 
people throughout the most trying years of the nation's history, whose 
undaunted spirit shrank from no responsibility however grave, and 
whose lofty mind directed the Ship of State safely through the reefs 
and shoals of a Titanic Civil War; and 

Whereas, The name of Lincoln must ever inspire such love for the 
goodness and admiration for the grandeur which were the balancing 



Centennial Birthday of Ahrahaui Lincoln 145 

elements of his character that the observance of his natal day becomes 
a patriotic devotion : 

Now, THEREFORE, I, Albert E. Mead, Governor of the State of Wash- 
ington, by virtue of the authority in me vested, 

Do HEREBY PROCLAIM that Friday, February Twelfth, Nineteen Hun- 
dred and Nine, the Centennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, ought 
to be appropriately observed throughout the State; and I suggest that 
the people gather in their usual places of assemblage and do honor to, 
the memory of him whose " life was gentle, and the elements so mix'd 
in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, ' This 
is a man.' " 

In witness whereof, I have here- 
unto set my hand and caused the 
Seal of the State to be affixed at 
'- -* Olympia, this Fifteenth day of 

January, A. D. Nineteen Hun- 
dred and Nine. 
ATTEST: Alfred E. Mead. 

Ben. R. Fish, 

Assistant Secretary of State. 

The City of Seattle, 
Washington. 
Legislative Department. 
[Copy] 

On the I2th day of February, 1909, will be celebrated throughout 
this nation the One Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham 
Lincoln, sixteenth President of the United States, and one of our great- 
est statesmen and patriots. During the many years since his lamented 
death, his fame has grown until to-day he is recognized as one of the 
greatest and wisest men of all time; one whose lofty character has left 
its impress, not only upon this great nation and its people, but upon the 
whole civilized world ; one whose force of life must be felt as long as 
the government shall remain. 

Many years ago our State, in recognition of the great service of 
Abraham Lincoln to the Union, and in reverence for his memory, de- 
clared that the Anniversary of his birth should be observed as a legal 
holiday throughout this commonwealth. It is fitting and proper and 
stimulating to the patriotism of the nation that the Anniversary of 
the birth of Abraham Lincoln should be observed: it is beneficial to us 
to review his wise teachings. 

This being the Centenary of his birth, it is especially fitting that 
there should be most general and inspiring observance of the day. I 
therefore earnestly urge all of our citizens to give generously of their 
time to a proper celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the birth 



146 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

of the Emancipator and to assemble publicly to review the lessons of 
his life and do honor to his memory. 

(Signed) John F. Miller, 
Jan. 27, 1909. Mayor of Seattle. 

WISCONSIN 

LINCOLN DAY PROCLAMATION: 

By the Governor of Wisconsin 

One hundred years ago on the twelfth day of this month, in a rude 
log cabin in Kentucky, amid dire poverty, Abraham Lincoln was born. 

Among the great characters of ancient or modern times, none will 
occupy a more exalted position, nor command the veneration of man- 
kind in larger measure, than this man, whose humble origin gave such 
little promise of grand achievement. 

The world now recognizes that this plain citizen of lowly birth was 
the chosen instrument of God safely to guide our nation through the 
most perilous of storms and give freedom to a race that had been in 
bondage for more than two and a half centuries. 

The character of Lincoln will be an inspiration for all time. Those 
who accept his life as their model and his principles as their creed, 
cannot be other than most exemplary citizens. 

It is most fitting that this Anniversary be marked by special observ- 
ance that his virtues may be emphasized and his memory cherished. 

Now, THEREFORE, I, J. O. DaVIDSON, GOVERNOR OF THE StATE OF 

Wisconsin, in accord with public sentiment, and a law recently enacted 
by the legislature, earnestly recommend that on Friday, February 
Twelfth, Nineteen Hundred and Nine, the people of this common- 
wealth observe the birth of Abraham Lincoln by such exercises in 
the public schools, and other places, as may be appropriate to the occa- 
sion, and that, in contemplating the character of Lincoln, our people 
may rededicate themselves to the furtherance of the work in which he 
had so large and noble a part. 

In testimony whereof, I have 
hereunto set my hand and caused 
the Great Seal of the State of 
Wisconsin to be affixed. Done at 
[seal] the Capitol, in the City of Madi- 

son, this eighth day of February, 
in the year of our Lord, one 
thousand, nine hundred and nine. 

By the Governor: J. O. Davidson. 

Secretary of State. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 1 47 

HAWAII 

Executive Building, 
Secretary of Hawaii. 
Honolulu, T. H., June 25, 1909. 
Mr. Allan C. Bakewell, 

Chairman of the National Committee on 

Lincoln Centennial, Grand Army of the Republic, 
34 Gramercy Park, New York. 

Sir: By direction of the Secretary of Hawaii, I beg leave to acknowl- 
edge receipt of your communication of June 7, 1909, asking that a 
copy of the Governor's proclamation on Lincoln's Centennial Anni- 
versary be forwarded to you. In reply I have to state that the Gov- 
ernor issued no proclamation for the observance of Lincoln's Centen- 
nial Anniversary, but the day was observed by reason of being declared 
a public holiday by act of Congress. 

Very respectfully yours, 

H. T. O'Sullivan, 

First Assistant Clerk. 

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 

The Government of the Philippine Islands, 
Executive Bureau. 

Manila, July 27, 1909. 
Sir: With reference to your communication of the seventh instant, 
to the Vice-Governor, regarding the desire of the Grand Army of the 
Republic to secure, for publication, copies of the proclamations issued 
by all Governors relative to the observance of Lincoln's Centennial 
Anniversary, I have the honor to advise you that no proclamation was 
issued by the Governor-General of the Philippine Islands. I am send- 
ing you, however, a copy of an Executive Order issued by the Governor- 
General appointing a committee to make arrangements for the suit- 
able celebration of the day, and a copy of the program as arranged by 
the said committee. 

Very respectfully, 

F. W. Carpenter, 
Allan C. Bakewell, Esq., Executive Secretary. 

Chairman National Committee on 
Lincoln Centennial, G. A. R., 

34 Gramercy Park, New York. 
(Through the Bureau of Insular Affairs, 
War Department, Washington, D. C.) 



148 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

The Government of the Philippine Islands, 
Executive Bureau. 

Manila, January 14, 1909. 
[Executive Order No. 6] 

Whereas the twelfth day of February, nineteen hundred and nine, 
will be the One Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lin- 
coln, and it appearing to the Executive meet and proper that this An- 
niversary should be suitably observed not only in commemoration of 
the patriot whose deeds and words meant so much to the cause of 
human liberty and to all mankind, but in order that the significance 
of his life and work may be better understood and appreciated: 

Now, therefore, Tasker H. Bliss, brigadier-general, United States 
Army, commanding, Philippines Division; Albert L. Mills, brigadier- 
general. United States Army, commanding, Department of Luzon ; G. B, 
Harber, rear-admiral, United States Navy, commander of Third Squad- 
ron, United States Pacific Fleet; Gregorio Araneta, Secretary of Fi- 
nance and Justice; T. H. Pardo de Tavera, member of the Philippine 
Commission; Newton W. Gilbert, member of the Philippine Commis- 
sion; Rafael Palma, member of the Philippine Commission; E. Finley 
Johnson, Associate Justice, Supreme Court; Felix M. Roxas, President 
of the Municipal Board, city of Manila; David P. Barrows, Director 
of Education ; Charles H. Sleeper, Director of Lands ; Ignacio Villa- 
mor, Attorney-General; E. G. Shields, Purchasing Agent; Vicente 
Singson, Delegate to the Philippine Assembly from the First Assembly 
District of the Province of Ilocos Sur; Jaime C. de Veyra, Delegate 
to the Philippine Assembly from the Fourth Assembly District of the 
Province of Leyte; Rev. Murray Bartlett, Rev. William M. McDon- 
ough, S. J., Rev. S. B. Rossiter; Rev. George William Wright, John 
Gibson, T. L. Hartigan, and W. A. Kincaid are hereby appointed a 
committee with full power to make all arrangements for the suitable 
celebration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of Abra- 
ham Lincoln. The members of the committee are respectfully invited 
to meet for organization at the Ayuntamiento on January fifteenth, 
nineteen hundred and nine, at nine antemeridian. 

James F. Smith, Governor-General. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 149 



FOREIGN 

Embassy of the United States of America. 
Berlin, July 7, 1909. 
Allan C. Bakewell, Esquire, 

Chairman, National Committee on 
Lincoln Centennial, G. A. R., 

34 Gramercy Park, New York City, N. Y., U. S. A. 

Sir: In reply to your letter of the 8th ultimo, I beg to inform you 
that the German Government took no official part in recognizing the 
Centennial Anniversary of the birth of Lincoln, but that it was cele- 
brated by the Americans in Berlin by a lecture on Lincoln, delivered 
by Professor Felix Adler, of Columbia University, then the " Roose- 
velt Exchange Professor " at Berlin University in the morning of 
that day, upon which occasion he presented the University with a bronze 
bust of Lincoln. This lecture was delivered in German and attended 
by many distinguished persons. 

In the afternoon a celebration took place at the American Embassy 
and addresses were made, all of which were in English, by Consul- 
General A. M. Thackara, Prof. Adler, and Ambassador David Jayne 
Hill. Professor William Morris Davis, Harvard Exchange Professor 
at the University of Berlin, also read a poem composed for the oc- 
casion. 

Through the courtesy of Mr. Thackara I am able to transmit to you 
herewith a copy of his remarks. 

The Ambassador's address was extemporaneous and no copy thereof 
exists. The fullest account of this, as of all the exercises, was con- 
tained in the issue for February 14 last of the Dresden Daily Record, 
of which a copy is enclosed herewith. 

Trusting that this information will answer your purpose, I am, Sir, 

Your obedient servant, 

R. S. Reynolds Hitt, 

Charge d' Affaires. 

LINCOLN'S HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY 
February 12, 1909. 

We name a day and thus commemorate 
The hero of our nation's bitter strife; 
The martyr who for freedom gave his life. 
We feel the day made holy by his fate. 



I50 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

The wheels of time then turn their ceaseless round, 

And slowly wear our memory away: 

The holy day becomes a holiday; 

Its motive changes with its change of sound. 

Let not our purpose thus be set aside: 
An hour, 'twixt work and pleasure, let us pause. 
And consecrate ourselves to serve the cause 
For which our hero strove, our martyr died. 

He lived to reunite our severed land; 
To liberate a million slaves he died, 
And that the great experiment be longer tried 
Where each one ruled in ruling has a hand. 

What tho' the pessimists, amid their fears, 
The great experiment to failure doom. 
Let us recall his trust in time of gloom. 
And steadfast persevere a thousand years. 

Tho' sure that vict'ries new will yet be won. 
Like those our fathers gained laboriously, 
'Tis not for us to boast vaingloriously 
As if our battles were already done. 

Our elders might have sung with better grace 
The verse that vaunts us ever free and brave. 
Had not our land so long oppressed the slave. 
Stolen from over sea, to our disgrace. 

Yet in our pride, how little right have we 
To blame our elders for an ancient wrong 
That gave the weak in bondage to the strong. 
Are we ourselves so wholly brave and free? 

Yes, with primeval courage, brave and strong, 
When banded 'gainst a foe; yes, free from kings — 
But not so brave in smaller things 
That we should celebrate ourselves in song. 

Not that it counts for naught that we have grown 
To be the leaders of a continent. 
And not that we could be for long content 
'Mid any other folk except our own. 

But that we must not lightly over-rate 
Our qualities: if on our faults I lay 
A certain emphasis, 'tis not to-day 
Ourselves, but Lincoln whom we celebrate. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 151 

For he was brave, a true American — 
Unselfish, kindly, patient, firm, discerning. 
His honest, homely wisdom outweighed learning; 
He stood for service to his fellow man. 

How think of him and not condemn the use 
Of public office turned to private ends. 
Of petty fraud, for which each one pretends 
To find in others' frauds his own excuse. 

How can we think of him and not repent 
The shaded line we draw 'twixt wrong and right; 
Of him, and not resolve, with all our might. 
To carry on the great experiment. 

If most of us have no great tasks to do. 
Let us, like him, be faithful in things small. 
Our nation's drama makes us actors all; 
If only splitting rails, we'll split them true. 

If troubles thicken, let us still deserve 

To solve them all as Lincoln would to-day; 

If dangers threaten, let us not betray 

The cause that Lincoln, living yet, would serve. 

Here in a distant foreign land we pause, 
'Twixt work and pleasure, to commemorate 
His noble life. How better than to consecrate 
Ourselves to play our part in Lincoln's cause. 

— William Morris Davis, 

Harvard Exchange Professor at the 

University of Berlin. 

Address delivered by Consul-General Thackara on the Occasion 
of the Celebration of the looth Anniversary of the Birth of 
President Abraham Lincoln, by the American Colony of 
Berlin at the residence of Ambassador David Jayne Hill, 
February 12, 1909. 

Mr. Ambassador, Ladies and Gentlemen: 

It affords me sincere pleasure to enjoy the hospitality of Mr. and 
Mrs. Hill to-day, with so many compatriots, gathered as we are to com- 
memorate the looth Anniversary of the birth of our Martyr-Patriot — 
President Lincoln. 



152 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

The literature inspired by Lincoln's record is vast in quantity and 
rich in quality, and to do justice to talent, requires talent; it is not 
for me to speak of his distinction as a lawyer, his achievements as a 
statesman or of his historic guidance of a nation in the most trying 
time of its existence. From a stump speaker and corner grocery de- 
bater, he lived to take his place in the front rank of immortal orators, 
whose lucidity of speech surprised and enthralled his hearers. He 
rarely failed to seize an opportunity to illustrate a situation by sub- 
stituting a story for an argument, and left his listeners to make their 
own deductions. We are all familiar with his humor, his melancholy, 
his strange mingling of energy and indolence, his unconventional char- 
acter, his frugality, his tenderness and his courage. Could Lincoln 
have foreseen the place he now holds in the hearts of the Nation, 
which greatly owes its preservation to his wise guidance, his great 
heart would have been spared many a pang which his political enemies 
inflicted upon him. Could he have been granted a vision of those coun- 
trymen he loved better than himself, in America and throughout the 
world, meeting together in his memory — proud to have had such a ruler 
— a father who saved his children from a family breach — his fine nature, 
in which the keynotes were malice towards none and charity for all, 
would have been saved many a hurt. For Lincoln of whom we think 
as beyond fitting praise, as he is beyond reproach, had sad moments of 
self-doubting and self-depreciation. Many incidents of his life show 
this side of his character, but it was the other side that predominated 
when occasion demanded and made him the man for the hour in our 
greatest need. An anecdote which was told by Dr. Murray Butler,. 
President of Columbia College, in my presence and which doubtless 
many of you have heard, will illustrate his firmness when sure of his 
own position. Lincoln had for a long time advocated the abolition of 
slavery. After careful study and deep thought, he prepared a rough 
draft of his Emancipation Proclamation and submitted it to his Cabinet 
Officers for their opinion as to its feasibility, its propriety and its word- 
ing. One and all expressed their disapprobation of the scheme, stating 
that the time was not opportune and that it was extremely bad poli- 
tics, etc. Mr. Lincoln was impressed by the unanimity of the adverse 
sentiment of his advisers, but after giving the subject deep and prayer- 
ful reconsideration, some two weeks later he again presented the Proc- 
lamation to his Cabinet with some slight changes in the context, and 
stated that he desired to have their final vote to settle the matter. 
When the question was put, Mr. Lincoln voted " aye," the rest of the 
Cabinet to a man cast their votes in the negative. Mr. Lincoln stood 
up and with a firm and impressive voice said : " Gentlemen, the ayes 
have it " and the famous Proclamation was issued. 

To the real orators who are going to follow me, I leave the handling 
of this inspiring subject — Lincoln — which is kindling a flame of patri- 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 153 

otic enthusiasm that spans the world, for I venture to say that not only 
in the United States, but in Europe and in the Far-East, there will be 
found groups of Americans gathered for the same purpose that has 
brought us together. All know the pall of sorrow which spread over 
our country when he met his tragic death; could he be with us and 
see the splendid progress our country has made since the fatal day in 
April, 1865, he would surely realize that his martyrdom was not in 
vain. 

American Embassy, 
Petropolis, Brazil, July 23, 1909. 

Hon. Allan C. Bakewell, 

Chairman of the National Committee on 
Lincoln Memorial, G. A. R., 
New York City. 

Sir: Yours of the 8th ultimo, relative to the celebration of the Cen- 
tennial Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln in foreign lands, 
has been received. 

I am glad to have the opportunity of bringing to your notice a 
case in which you will undoubtedly be interested. 

The Centennial of the birth of President Lincoln was given official 
significance as a national holiday. All government buildings, both in 
the national capital and in the States of the Brazilian Union, dis- 
played the national flag in homage to the memory of the great martyr 
President. On that occasion an order of the day was issued by the 
ranking officer of the navy of which I am able to send you a transla- 
tion. You will observe that in accordance therewith the vessels of 
the navy and the forts did full national honors to the birthday of Lin- 
coln. 

I am also able to transmit to you a copy, as published by the press 
here, of the telegram of thanks to Brazil I had the honor, under in- 
struction, of sending to H. E. Baron do Rio Branco, Minister for 
Foreign Affairs, at the time when I was acting as Charge d'Affaires 
at this Post. 

The Embassy at this time was decorated with American flags and 
numerous telegrams of sympathy in observance of the day were re- 
ceived from prominent Brazilians. 

I am. Sir, 

Your obedient servant, 
Henry L. Janes, 

Secretary of Embassy. 



154 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

(Enclosure to A. C. B., of July 23, 1909.) 

Brazilian Celebration of the Centennial of the birth of Abraham Lin- 
coln. — Clipping from O Jornal Do Commercio, of February 13, 
1909. 

CENTENNIAL OF LINCOLN 

Yesterday, the Centennial Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lin- 
coln, the flag of the nation was displayed on all the public buildings of 
Brazil, and, at one o'clock, the war-vessels of Brazil, full-dressed, and 
the forts of the port of Rio de Janeiro, gave a salute of twenty-one 
guns. 

Admiral Maurity, Chief of the Superior Staff of the Navy, sent down 
the following order of the day: 

CENTENNIAL OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN 

To-day, the powerful Republic of the United States of America com- 
memorates the Centennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, one of its 
best-beloved and most eminent sons. 

Calling to mind the illustrious name of the famous President of the 
American Union, the influence of the glorious personality which it 
invokes and the acts of heroism and beneficence for which his country 
and humanity are indebted to him, the honorable duty devolves upon me, 
in the name of the Federal Government, the Navy and the Brazilian 
people, to sign the present Order of the Day, in homage to the memory 
of that noble martyr of moral and »f neighborly love. Thus the Bra- 
zilian nation fraternally accompanies the people and government of 
the United States of America in its profound feeling of irrepressible 
sorrow and grateful memory of its ever-lamented statesman, the im- 
mortal Abraham Lincoln. 

In honor, then, of this memorable day, I order that the mastheads 
of the ships of the squadron be dressed and that the forts be dressed 
accordingly and that at noon a salute of twenty-one guns be given 
as a mark of sincere respect and international friendship. 

(Enclosure No. 2 to A. C. B., of July 23, 1909.) 

Telegram of Thanks Transmitted to the Brazilian Minister for Foreign 
Affairs, by Henry L. Janes, Charge d' Affaires of the United States. 

" His Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs, 

" Rio. 
" The Government of the United States, upon learning of the friendly 
action taken by Brazil in observing in a general and national manner, 
the twelfth of February, the One Hundredth Anniversary of the birth 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 155 

of the martyr President, Abraham Lincohi, has instructed me to express 
in the name of the President of the United States the profound senti- 
ment of gratitude and genuine appreciation the American government 
feels at being thus accompanied by the sister Republic in the mani- 
festation of respect and homage to the memory of a great statesman 
who gave up his life in behalf of national unity and human freedom. 

" Janes." 

First Methodist Episcopal Church 
(American Church) 
Buenos Aires, 8th July, 1909. 
Allan C. Bakewell, Esq., 

34 Gramercy Park, New York City. 
Dear Sir: Your letter of 8th June was handed to me by Mr. Wilson, 
Secretary of the American Legation in Buenos Aires, with the re- 
quest that I should answer. 

The only celebration of the Lincoln Centenary was held in the 
Church here of which I am Pastor. The weather was fearful that 
night; a terrific storm raging, and although our people are very widely 
scattered and have to travel a great distance to come to our services, 
we were gratified to have a very large attendance, in spite of all 
difficulties. 

Yours very truly, 

Wm. p. McLaughlin. 

American Legation, 
Copenhagen, July 19, 1909. 
Allan C. Bakewell, 

Grand Army of the Republic, 

34 Gramercy Park, New York. 
Dear Sir: There was no proclamation to American citizens residing 
or sojourning in Denmark concerning an observance of the Centenary 
of Lincoln's birth. 

The Minister, however, and others were called upon to write short 
articles for the local papers which they did, and which were duly pub- 
lished. 

I am, very sincerely, 

Charles Richardson, 

Secretary of Legation. 

American Embassy, 
London, June 23, 1909. 
Sir: As requested in your letter of the 8th instant, it gives me 
great pleasure to enclose herewith two articles from the " Times " of 



156 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

February 12th and 13th in regard to the Lincoln Centenary and also 
the program and souvenir of a Commemoration service held at White- 
field's Mission in London on the 14th of February, 1909. It is hoped 
that these may be of interest and some service to you. 
I am, sir, 

Your obedient servant, 
J. R. Carter, 

The Secretary of the Embassy. 
Allan C. Bakewell, Esq., 

34 Gramercy Park, 

New York City, U. S. A. 



Editorial of London Times, February 12, 1909. 
THE CENTENARY OF LINCOLN 

t 

To-day the whole American people will be engaged in celebrating the 
Centenary of the birth of President Lincoln in that copious and 
whole-hearted manner which is characteristic. Our American cousins 
are not content to be spectators of the game — they play it themselves. 
The day has been proclaimed a national holiday, and in thousands of 
cities, towns, and even villages there will be local celebrations auxiliary 
to the national celebration at Lincoln's birthplace. Since the begin- 
ning of the year there has been an immense outpouring of biographies, 
essays, poems, and exercitations of every conceivable kind, in which 
every minutest detail of Lincoln's life and work has been exhaustively 
discussed ; while the newspapers began this week with columns and 
sometimes whole supplements devoted to the subject. There are prob- 
ably few men in the country of any prominence, whether general or 
local, who will not to-day add their quota of spoken praise. The na- 
tional celebration, at which President Roosevelt will be the princi- 
pal speaker, and will dedicate a national memorial, is held at Hodgens- 
ville, Kentucky, where Lincoln was born. At Springfield, which was 
his home before he became President, and where his mortal remains 
were laid, our Ambassador, Mr. Bryce, the French Ambassador, 
M. JussERAND, and Mr. Bryan, if he is well enough, will be 
the leading speakers. It is, perhaps, well to repeat that in this 
great national demonstration there is no question of South and 
North, no trace of the antagonisms aroused by the Civil War, but only 
an equal and universal enthusiasm, and one common desire to pay un- 
stinted and unbounded homage to the memory of the great citizen whom 
all Americans delight to honour. Together with Washington, Lin- 
coln occupies a pinnacle to which no third person is likely to attain. 
Indeed, having regard to the circumstances which gave these two men 
their unique position in American hearts, it is not perhaps to be de- 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 157 

sired that any other should have the opportunity to write his name 
along with theirs. For each of them piloted the nation through a 
tremendous crisis, and both occupy thrones cemented with blood and 
tears, such as we trust will never again be wrung from the American 
people. Widely different as they were in character, training, and tra- 
ditions, they were alike in possessing unwavering faith in the future 
of their country, a strong grip of the essential rectitude upon which 
alone a State can be firmly based, capacity to see right through the tur- 
moil of the moment to the conclusion marked out by the eternal fitness 
of things, and unflinching courage and tenacity in steering their way 
to that great end. 

Lincoln's career reminds one of the words of Cowper: — 

" Knowledge dwells 
" In heads replete with thoughts of other men, 
" Wisdom in minds attentive to their own." 

In the formative years of youth his opportunities of learning the 
thoughts of other men were exceedingly scanty. His father led the 
hard and laborious life of a pioneer, a settler on the outskirts of civili- 
zation. The boy shared in the incessant toil of the farm and helped to 
build the log cabin or to fence the fields. He has left it upon record 
that when he came to man's estate his learning amounted to reading 
and writing, with arithmetic as far as the rule of three. Such neigh- 
bours as there were, few and widely scattered, can have had few in- 
terests but those directly bound up with the daily round of toil. But 
the lad possessed a remarkable endowment of original faculty, and the 
long, solitary days brought an education of their own, with the deep, 
silent wisdom that comes to the self-contained intellect dwelling with 
nature. In later life, when he had risen to high position, we find traces 
of that early concentration. For we read of him that, though very 
sociable and fond of the interchange of thought, he yet had " hours of 
deep silence and introspection that approached the condition of trance." 
Also that beneath his even temper and his cheerful and sunny dispo- 
sition ran an undercurrent of sadness, which reminds us of another 
poet's Wer nie sein Brod viit Thrdnen ass. What Lincoln's educa- 
tion lacked in breadth it evidently gained in depth, and it may well be 
that in those silent and repressed years he also acquired that moral 
stability so conspicuous in his later life, and so often wanting in those 
whose intellectual flame has been overfed with more than it can con- 
vert to useful purposes. It is at any rate clear that when he did at 
length obtain access to fuller springs of information he showed immense 
assimilative powers. The categories of thought were fully prepared 
and the filling in of the contents was an easy matter. Many educational 
systems reverse the operation, and the categories never get established 
at all. 



158 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Lincoln's rise to a position of comfort and of influence was rapid 
when once it had begun. This was due mainly to the fact that he was 
always found equal to every new opportunity, but it was also due in 
part to the elasticity and mobility of the social fabric. It was then, 
and it is still, though perhaps in a diminishing degree, very easy for an 
American citizen to turn his hand and his brain to anything. In an 
old country like ours the social meshes are far smaller, and the diffi- 
culty of passing from one stratum to another or even from one occu- 
pation to another is much greater. Two years of reading law, not 
in very favourable conditions, enabled Lincoln to get called to the 
Bar, and in four or five years more he had a good practice and an 
assured position. Genius itself starting with Lincoln's education 
could not in this country achieve that result. He developed remark- 
able power as a speaker, and when, after a few years of attention to 
law, he again began to take part in politics he quickly attracted general 
attention. It was the repeal of the Missouri compromise limiting the 
area of the slave system that roused him to indignation and took him 
into public life. He saw, and said, that the United States could no 
longer remain half slave and half free, but that either slavery must 
go altogether or it must extend over the whole Union. Yet when 
shortly afterwards his eloquence, vigour, and personal character made 
him President, and he had to cope with the insurrection in the South, 
his patience in seeking a modus vivendi was inexhaustible. He was 
absolutely forced into the war; but, being in, he fought with all the 
energy, tenacity, and thoroughness of his nature. The maintenance of 
the Union was his governing passion, maintenance by peace if that were 
anyway possible; but, if not, then by the war which he abhorred and 
which wrung every fibre of a gentle and compassionate nature. In 
that terrible struggle, when all the passions of humanity were let 
loose, and its affections almost forgotten, Lincoln never swerved from 
an attitude of pitiful consideration, even for those he held hopelessly 
in the wrong. The immense magnanimity of the man under the most 
trying provocations from all sides at once is perhaps the most striking 
among many striking proofs of the essential and massive greatness of 
his nature. His tragic end added a deep thrill of human sympathy to 
the appreciation of his greatness by the American people — greatness 
which, however, was in any event secure of recognition for all time. 

Editorial of London Times, February 13, 1909. 

THE LINCOLN CELEBRATION 

The national festival in the United States in honour of the centenary 
of the birth of Abraham Lincoln was conducted yesterday in a man- 
ner worthy of the nation by which he is recognized as one of its two 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 159 

greatest heroes, and with a consciousness on the part of his country- 
men that their own estimate of his powers and of his virtues is shared 
by the representatives of foreign States who took important parts in 
the proceedings of the day, and who bore their independent testimony 
to the accuracy of the view which places the ex-backwoodsman on the 
same pedestal with Washington. It was not given to Lincoln, whose 
life was cut short by the hand of an assassin at the very moment when 
the constructive part of his career was opening before him, to imitate 
his great predecessor by retiring from office with a dignity and a 
patriotism as great as those which he had displayed in the discharge 
of its duties ; but in many ways the careers of the two men were singu- 
larly parallel, notwithstanding the divergence which existed between 
the circumstances in which their characters respectively underwent 
development, and between the points of view from which they would 
naturally have been disposed to regard public affairs. To each of them, 
without hesitation and without reserve, may be given the title of saviour 
of his country; for, if Washington was the creator of its independence 
and the founder of its place amongst nations, it was Lincoln who pre- 
vented that place from being forfeited by internal dissensions over a 
question which experience has now shown to have been capable of 
adjustment upon lines ultimately conducive to the prosperity and hap- 
piness of both of the races whose interests were concerned. The er- 
roneous belief that slaves were necessary to the industrial develop- 
ment of the South never imposed upon Lincoln; and it was mainly 
because the lucidity of his intellect rendered this absolutely clear to him 
that he threw himself with such unflinching resolve into a contest in 
which even many of his supporters were but half-hearted, and in which, 
more than once, the outlook seemed as dark as was that before Wash- 
ington at Valley Forge. Intellect and determination, however, he 
shared with many great men; and the characteristic in which he seems 
to have stood almost alone, or at least upon a level with Washington 
himself, was in the unswerving rectitude which forbade him to be led 
by policy into any devious course, and in the kindness of heart which 
never failed, even towards his bitterest and most dangerous adversaries. 
Upon these moral qualities, even more than upon his intellectual ones, 
upon the goodness of the man even more than upon his ability, it was 
yesterday the duty of those who took leading parts in the ceremony to 
lay stress; and this duty was ably fulfilled, not only by the President 
of the United States in his striking address, but also by M. Jus- 
SERAND on the part of France, and by Mr. Bryce on the part of Great 
Britain. M. Jusserand related how, upon the intelligence of the assas- 
sination reaching Paris, all differences of opinion relating to the strug- 
gle were laid aside, and how, in an incredibly short time, a subscrip- 
tion, limited to a penny from each contributor, provided a gold medal 
dedicated by the French Democracy to the memory of " an honest man, 



i6o Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

" who had abolished slavery without veiling the statue of liberty." Mr. 
Bryce was at least equally emphatic, in his reference to " the memory 
" of one who saved the Republic by his wisdom, his constancy, his 
" faith in the people and in freedom, the memory of a plain and simple 
" man, yet crowned with the knightly virtues of truthfulness, honour, 
"and courage." The eulogium rings true; and its echoes will reach 
the United States from every country in which these qualities are held 
in the esteem which they should command. In this respect the British 
Government have taken the initiative, and their telegram, delivered to 
the President in the course of the proceedings, expressed a sympathy 
in which the whole Empire participates. 



ENGLAND REMEMBERS LINCOLN 

London, Feb. ii. — The Lincoln celebrations in England began at 
Rochdale, Lancashire, to-night. A big meeting was held in the town 
hall and presided over by the mayor, at which John L. Griffiths, the 
American consul at Liverpool, delivered an eloquent Centenary address. 
Other speeches were made, recalling Lincoln's imperishable services 
to humanity, and the fact that Rochdale's great townsman, John Bright, 
had loyally supported the cause of Lincoln and the union. 

The American Legation, 
Monrovia, Liberia, 15 July, 1909. 

Honorable Allan C. Bakewell, 

Chairman of the National Committee on 
Lincoln Centennial, G. A R., 
34 Gramercy Park, 

New York City, N. Y. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge your communication under 
date 8 June, 1909, requesting a copy of any Proclamation that may have 
been issued to American citizens, concerning an observance of the 
Centennial Anniversary of the birth of Lincoln in the Republic of 
Liberia. In reply I beg to say that Liberia for the past few years 
and especially the last two has been undergoing a severe national ordeal 
for the existence and perpetuity of the State. This ordeal, assailing 
the very life of the Nation, culminated in a violent crisis during the 
last months of the last year and the beginning months of 1909. The 
whole Liberian people have been wrought up into a vortex of disturbed 
and inflammable elements. Everything for now more than a year has 
given away for the all-absorbing issues of the State. The Lega- 
tion of the United States has been the scene of most of the efforts 
which have proved effective in safeguarding the continued existence 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln l6l 

of the Liberian Republic. And for these reasons chiefly there was is- 
sued no Proclamation to American citizens for the observance of the 
Lincoln Centennial Anniversary in the Republic of Liberia. The Li- 
berians as well as the Americans here are strongly attached to the 
memory of Lincoln, and but for the foregoing abnormal political con- 
ditions there would have been a fitting observance in Liberia of the 
Lincoln Centennial. 

With renewed assurances for your good health, 
I am sincerely yours, 

George Washington Ellis, F. R. G. S. 

Secretary of the American Legation. 



American Legation, 
Panama, June 22, 1909. 
Allan C. Bakewell, Esquire, 

Chairman, etc., G. A. R., 
34 Gramercy Park, 

New York City. 

Dear Sir: I have to report in answer to your inquiry of the 8th in- 
stant that there was no proclamation or issue of that nature to Ameri- 
can citizens residing or sojourning in the Republic of Panama con- 
cerning an observance of the Centennial Anniversary of the birth of 
Lincoln. 

In the Canal Zone, which is under American jurisdiction, a Lincoln 
Centennial League was organized with the following officers : Lieut.- 
Col. Geo. W. Goethals (Chief Engineer of the Isthmian Canal Com- 
mission), Chairman, H. A. Gudger (Chief Justice), Vice-Chairman, 
and E. H. Goolsby (Clerk of the Circuit Court), Secretary. Under 
the auspices of the League a celebration was held at Empire, C. Z., 
on Sunday, February 14, 1909, including a parade at 11.00 a. m., 
headed by the Marine Band and 100 marines from Camp Elliott under 
arms, fraternal societies and individual citizens. At 12.00 patriotic 
addresses were made by Hon. Jo. C. S. Blackburn, Governor of the 
Zone, and Judges Gudger and T. C. Brown, Jr. The court house 
and Y. M. C. A. rooms were used, and a large crowd was present. 
The celebration was successful and creditable in every way. 
I am, sir, 

Your obedient servant, 

George T. Weitzel, 

Secretary of the American Legat'on. 



1 62 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Lima, Peru. 
Mr. Allan C. Bakewell, 

Etc., Grand Army of the Republic. 

Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your esteemed favor and beg leave to 
say that as far as I get news, no proclamation w^as issued in the parts 
of this Republic concerning an observance of the Centennial Anni- 
versary of the birth of the illustrious Mr. Lincoln. The flag of the 
Legation was displayed in the buildings occupied by the Minister. 

Owing to so few Americans living here, was the reason for not 
making a more extensive display. 

I am, Mr. Bakewell, 

Your obedient servant, 

Richard R. Neill, 

Secretary of Legation. 

American Legation, 
Stockholm, July 15, 1909. 
Allan C. Bakewell, Esq., 

Chairman of the National Committee on 
Lincoln Centennial, G. A. R., 

34 Gramercy Park, New York City. 

5"iV; The delay in replying to your note of the 8th ultimo has been 
due to illness. 

There was an observance here of the Centennial Anniversary of the 
birth of Lincoln by the Swedish Americans and other Americans resi- 
dent here, the attendance being by invitation. 

Addresses on this occasion were delivered by Hon. Edward L. Adams, 
American Consul-General here. Col. Charles H. Graves, American 
Minister, myself, and two or three Swedish Americans whose names 
I do not just now remember. After the addresses there was a banquet 
with appropriate music and several short addresses dwelling on the 
diiTerent traits of Lincoln. 

Trusting this may reach you in time to serve your purpose, and 
with assurances of my esteem, I am. 

Very respectfully, 

James G. Bailey, 

Secretary of Legation. 



Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 163 

THE MAN OF PEACE 

February 12, 1809 — February 12, 1909 

By Bliss Carman 

What winter holiday is this? 

In Time's great calendar, 
Marked in the rubric of the saints, 

And with a soldier's star. 
Here stands the name of one who lived 

To serve the common weal, 
With humor tender as a prayer 

And honor firm as steel. 



No hundred hundred years can dim 

The radiance of his mirth, 
That set unselfish laughter free 

From all the sons of earth. 
Unswerved through stress and scant success. 

Out of his dreamful youth 
He kept an unperverted faith 

In the almighty truth. ^ 



3 



Born in the fulness of the days, 

Up from the teeming soil, 
By the world-mother reared and schooled 

In reverence and toil, 
He stands the test of all life's best 

Through play, defeat, or strain: 
Never a moment was he found 

Unlovable nor vain. 



Fondly we set apart this day, 

And mark this plot of earth 
To be forever hallowed ground 

In honor of his birth. 
Where men may come as to a shrine 

And temple of the good. 
To be made sweet and strong of heart 

In Lincoln's brotherhood. 



164 Centennial Birthday of Abraham Lincoln 

Here walked God's earth in modesty 

The shadow that was man, 
A shade of the divine that moved 

Through His mysterious plan. 
So must we fill the larger mold 

Of wisdom, love, and power. 
Fearless, compassionate, contained. 

And masters of the hour, 

As men found faithful to a task 

Eternal, pressing, plain. 
Accounting manhood more than wealth. 

And gladness more than gain ; 
Distilling happiness from life, 

As vigor from the air. 
Not wresting it with ruthless hands, 

Spoiling our brother's share. 

Here shall our children keep alive 

The passion for the right, — 
The cause of justice in the world. 

That was our fathers' fight. 
For this the fair-haired stripling rode, 

The dauntless veteran died. 
For this we keep the ancient code 

In stubbornness and pride. 

O South, bring all your chivalry; 

And West, give all your heart; 
And East, your old untarnished dreams 

Of progress and of art ! 
Bid waste and war to be no more. 

Bid wanton riot cease; 
At your command give Lincoln's land 

To Paradise, — to peace. 



Finis 



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